First law-and-order curbs since 2019: Kashmir under restrictions as protests over Khamenei killing mark tense week

Srinagar: For the first time since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 — excluding Covid lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 — Kashmir continued to remain under widespread law-and-order restrictions for third day on Wednesday, with curbs in place across the valley, educational institutions shut and markets largely deserted.

The administration imposed restrictions Monday morning following protests in parts of Srinagar and other districts over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli military action.

Demonstrations in old city areas saw attempts to take out rallies and raise slogans, prompting authorities to clamp down to prevent escalation.

Security personnel were deployed at key junctions, with concertina wires placed in parts of the old city and other sensitive pockets.

All educational institutions — schools, colleges and universities — remained closed across the valley for the third consecutive day. Officials said the decision was precautionary.

Major commercial centres such as Lal Chowk, Nowhatta and Maisuma in Srinagar wore a deserted look, with shops shut and public transport largely off the roads. Similar scenes were reported from district headquarters towns.

Mobile internet services were operational but at reduced speed in many areas, residents said, affecting access to social media platforms.

Meanwhile, police registered FIRs against Aga Ruhullah, Member of Parliament from Srinagar, and former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu, among others, for allegedly uploading content on social media linked to the protests. Police sources said the cases pertain to posts that could “disturb public order.”

On Wednesday, Mehbooba Mufti staged a protest in Srinagar against the United States and Israel over the developments in West Asia, further drawing attention amid the tense atmosphere. Her party said the protest was peaceful.

Authorities described the restrictions as preventive and said the situation was being reviewed daily, even as normal life across the valley remained significantly disrupted.