Srinagar, March 3 Authorities imposed restrictions on Tuesday for the second consecutive day across the Kashmir Valley to maintain law and order in the aftermath of developments in Iran.
Police said these restrictions are purely preventive in nature to ensure that anti-national elements and troublemakers are prevented from exploiting public sentiment.
All public and vehicular movement is being disallowed in Srinagar city as heavy deployments of police and the CRPF at road intersections and marketplaces have been made to enforce the restrictions.
Barricades made of corrugated iron and concertina wire have been erected in the city center, Lal Chowk, to prevent any gatherings there.
Similar restrictions are in place in other districts of the Valley, with a focus on areas where the Shia Muslim community has a significant presence, such as Budgam, Magam, Gund Hasibhat, Mirgund, Pattan, Palhalan, and other places.
All schools, colleges, and universities will remain closed for the day. The Kashmir University has postponed all exams scheduled for the day and announced that new dates would be announced shortly.
Internet speeds across the Valley have been slowed down to prevent troublemakers from uploading provocative content on social media.
Senior Shia leaders, including Maulvi Imran Raza Ansari and Maulvi Masroor Abbas Ansari, have appealed to the Shia community to ensure that they do not disrupt law and order while expressing sorrow over the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israeli bombing in Tehran on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the J&K Police have appealed to the public to maintain law and order, also warning troublemakers of strict action if they attempt to disrupt peace.
The J&K Police appealed to people to maintain peace, as violence leads to destruction.
In a series of posts on X, the police said, "Appeal for Peace and Restraint Amid Current Developments. In view of recent developments in the Middle East, we respect the right of citizens to peacefully express through lawful means. However, incidents of rioting, stone-pelting, clashes, and disruption of public order at some places are not acceptable. Violence, destruction of property, and confrontation with security forces lead to injuries, loss of life, restrictions, closure of educational institutions, and hardship for families, traders, students, and daily wagers. We appeal to all sections of society to exercise restraint and refrain from violence and provocation."
The post further said, "The police will take strict legal action against instigators and troublemakers involved in unlawful activities. Authorities remain committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting life and property."
