Authorities tightened movement restrictions across Kashmir on Friday amid fears of protests after congregational prayers over the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Mar 06, Srinagar: Restrictions on the movement of people across the Kashmir Valley were intensified Friday as authorities anticipated protests after congregational prayers over the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Normal life in the valley has been disrupted for the sixth consecutive day as protests continued over Khamenei’s killing in joint U.S.-Israel strikes.
Authorities imposed restrictions Monday after spontaneous protests erupted across Kashmir a day earlier against the killing.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday met civil society representatives and religious leaders as part of efforts to restore normalcy.
Following the meeting, Abdullah appealed to people to maintain peace.
Protests have waned since the chief minister’s meeting, with the number of places affected by law and order issues dropping from several dozen Tuesday to fewer than 10 on Thursday.
The government has shut educational institutions until Saturday and reduced mobile internet speeds.
A large number of police and paramilitary CRPF personnel were deployed across the city early Friday to prevent gatherings of protesters, officials said.
Concertina wire and barricades were placed at key intersections leading into the city as precautionary measures to maintain law and order, they added.
The iconic Ghanta Ghar in the city center of Lal Chowk remained a no-go zone after authorities sealed the area with barricades late Sunday night.
