Srinagar, March 2 – Authorities imposed restrictions across the Kashmir Valley on Monday to maintain law and order, following an order that all educational institutions should remain closed for two days.
These restrictions were put in place to prevent miscreants and anti-national elements from exploiting public sentiment in the aftermath of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, officials said.
Given the significant population of Shia Muslims in many parts of Srinagar city, authorities are enforcing stricter restrictions in the old city and uptown areas.
All schools, colleges, and universities have been closed for two days. The Kashmir University has postponed all exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.
After the nearly three-month-long winter break, schools from Class 9 to 12 were scheduled to reopen on Monday.
Police and security forces have set up barricades in the city center, Lal Chowk, where thousands of protesters had gathered on Sunday to protest the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli airstrikes.
Restrictions have been imposed in all ten districts of the Valley.
The Ladakh administration is also handling the situation carefully, as the Kargil district in the Ladakh UT is predominantly Shia Muslim.
Movement of vehicles is also being restricted from area to area, while public transport between districts has been suspended for the day in the Valley.
Traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway is, however, normal, although with fewer private vehicles.
Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a security review meeting on Sunday, while DGP Nalin Prabhat is currently in Srinagar to oversee the security arrangements and their enforcement on the ground.
In a message on Sunday, the L-G appealed for calm and asked the people to remain peaceful. The L-G said on X, "Chaired a meeting to review the security situation across J&K UT. Called upon all communities to stay peaceful and calm. I salute the unwavering, synchronized resolve of our Police and security forces upholding law and order."
In addition to Kashmiri doctors and engineers, 1200 local students are studying in Iran.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reacted to the development by saying, “I am deeply concerned about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest. We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures. The Government of Jammu & Kashmir is in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to ensure the safety and well-being of J&K residents, including students, currently in Iran”.
