Srinagar, March 2 – Despite restrictions imposed by the authorities, protests continued in many parts of the Valley on Monday as emotionally charged crowds shouted slogans against the US and Israel, blaming them for the death of Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Protesters refused to disperse as they marched from Qamarwari towards Batmaloo in Srinagar. After persuasion by the police, the crowd agreed to move back after the police released those apprehended for defying the restrictions in the area.
Protesters also took to the streets in the Shalteng area on the outskirts of the city. A large protest was also organized in the Magam area on the Srinagar-Gulmarg road.
All the protesters were emotionally charged, but they have remained peaceful so far.
The police are primarily concerned about miscreants and anti-national elements mingling with the crowd to create a law and order situation.
A senior police officer stated that these restrictions have been imposed today to apprehend these miscreants.
Authorities have also reduced the speed of internet services throughout the Valley to prevent anti-national elements from uploading false and fabricated content to stir up emotions that are already high.
All schools, colleges, and universities across the Valley have been closed for two days, and all exams scheduled for today and tomorrow have also been postponed.
The regional transport officer has postponed the driving tests scheduled for today.
All senior police officers, including J&K DGP, Nalin Prabhat, are camping in Srinagar to ensure law and order.
All religious leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, have appealed to the people to remain peaceful.
Shia Muslim clerics, as well as those belonging to the majority Sunni Muslim community, have jointly condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran while urging people to control their hurt religious feelings regarding the developments taking place in Iran.
Meanwhile, officials said that public transport moved normally in Handwara town of Kupwara district while shops selling non-essential items remained closed.
In all other cities and towns of the Valley, transport and business were adversely affected by today's official restrictions and the protests by the people.