Srinagar, March 3 Strict restrictions remained in place in Kashmir for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, following massive protests across the valley against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
While educational institutions were closed for two days and mobile internet speeds were reduced on Monday as precautionary measures, authorities cancelled all movement of security force convoys in the valley on Tuesday as protests began to turn violent in some areas.
To avoid tensions, they have also decided not to deploy any road-opening parties of the security forces on Tuesday.
At least 14 people, including six security personnel, were injured during protests that erupted in Jammu and Kashmir following the killing of Khamenei on Monday.
Officials said that 75 rallies were held at various locations in the Kashmir Valley, while a few demonstrations were also held in the Jammu region on Monday.
This is the first time since August 2019 that protests of this scale have taken place in Kashmir.
The administration of the Kashmir division appealed to people to exercise restraint and adhere to advisories issued by the authorities.
"The Kashmir divisional administration acknowledges the role of all communities in maintaining peace and upholding law and order in the valley. Citizens are advised to exercise restraint, adhere to advisories being issued by the local administration, and share only verified information on digital platforms," a spokesperson said.
A 24-hour helpline (0194-2740003) has been established for anyone needing assistance, he said.
The police also appealed to people to refrain from violence and provocation.
"We appeal to all sections of society to exercise restraint and refrain from violence and provocation," it said.
The police said that they will take strict legal action against those who instigate violence and those involved in unlawful activities.
Authorities on Monday imposed restrictions to curb people's movement, shut down educational institutions, and reduce mobile internet speeds in the Union territory as precautionary measures.
The authorities also sealed the Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk, with barricades erected all around it, while a large number of police and paramilitary CRPF personnel were deployed across the city to prevent gatherings of protestors, officials said.
They added that concertina wires and barricades were placed at important intersections leading into the city, while asserting that these were precautionary measures imposed to maintain law and order.
Khamenei was killed in joint air strikes by the US and Israel early Saturday.
