Srinagar, March 6 – After the situation in the Kashmir Valley remained peaceful on Friday, authorities announced that normalcy has been restored and all restrictions would be lifted starting Saturday.
Congregational prayers were held peacefully in all districts of the Valley, including Srinagar city, on Friday.
Following a high-level security review meeting on Friday evening, top sources revealed that, "High-speed internet services will be fully restored by this evening. Prepaid mobile phones will also start functioning normally," the sources added.
The sources further stated that all public and private transport would be allowed to operate in the Valley from Saturday morning.
Authorities asserted that the restrictions were precautionary measures intended to prevent miscreants and anti-social elements from exploiting public sentiments.
However, authorities said that security forces will continue their routine deployment to maintain law and order and closely monitor the situation.
Restrictions were imposed in the Valley on March 1 following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Clashes had erupted in several places, particularly in areas with a predominantly Shia Muslim population in Srinagar and elsewhere.
Police and security forces maintained restraint throughout the law and order maintenance in the Valley during and after the clashes, ensuring that no civilian lives or property were lost.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, interacted with members of the civil society in Srinagar on Wednesday.
Omar Abdullah appealed to the people to express their grief over the developments in Iran in a disciplined and dignified manner, and to avoid any actions that could lead to law and order situations.
The Chief Minister received a positive response from members of the civil society, including religious, social, and business community members, as well as other prominent citizens.