Srinagar, March 2 Fresh protests erupted in various parts of Kashmir on Monday over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with authorities imposing restrictions on people's movement and slowing down mobile internet speeds.
This is the second day that the Kashmir Valley has witnessed protests over Khamenei's killing, following the joint air strikes by the US and Israel on Saturday morning.
Officials said the protests took place in Bemina, Gund Hassibhat, and Jehangir Chowk areas of the city, as well as in the town of Pulwama in south Kashmir.
Large numbers of protesters gathered in these areas, which have a significant Shia population, and marched through the streets, chanting slogans against the US and Israel.
In some areas, security forces used mild force to disperse the protesters.
In light of the protests, strict restrictions have been imposed on people's movement in parts of Kashmir.
The iconic Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) at Lal Chowk has been sealed off with barricades erected around it, officials said.
A large number of police and paramilitary CRPF personnel have been deployed across the city to prevent gatherings of protesters.
Officials said the restrictions were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
Concertina wire and barricades have been placed at key intersections leading into the city, they said.
Similar restrictions have been imposed in Shia-dominated areas in other districts of the valley.
The restrictions come in the backdrop of a one-day strike call issued by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU).
"We urge the people to observe this day with unity, dignity, and complete peacefulness," Mirwaiz said.
The MMU strike call was supported by several political parties, including opposition PDP president Mehbooba Mufti.
"We extend our full support and solidarity with the shutdown call of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on the martyrdom of Iran's Supreme Leader. This is a day of mourning to remind the world that injustice anywhere wounds the entire Muslim Ummah and all who stand for truth," Mehbooba said.
The authorities have also closed all educational institutions, including private schools, for two days, as a precautionary measure for the safety of students and to maintain law and order.
Mobile internet speeds were slowed down across Kashmir as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.
Kashmir – which has about 15 lakh Shias – witnessed major protests at Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag, and Pulwama on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the police have issued an advisory urging all media organizations and news platforms to exercise the highest level of responsibility and professionalism in their reporting.
"Please refrain from publishing unverified information, speculation, or rumors; ensure that all reports are confirmed through credible and authoritative sources before dissemination; and avoid sensational headlines that may create unnecessary panic," the advisory read.
The police said responsible and accurate reporting is essential to maintain public trust and prevent misinformation.
