Mourners stopped as protests continue for 2nd day

Srinagar, Mar 2: Parts of Kashmir on Monday witnessed restrictions to stop mourners from assembling  against the killing of Shia spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint strikes by the United States and Israel, with Police using mild force to disperse to protestors.

While several towns observed a peaceful shutdown, others witnessed sporadic confrontations between protesters and security forces.

Most parts of Kashmir and some parts in Jammu division observed a shutdown leading to closure of shops and business establishments across Kashmir as well as parts of Doda and Kishtwar districts in the Jammu region as a mark of protest.

In the Valley, demonstrations that began on Sunday with massive gatherings at Lal Chowk in Srinagar continued on Monday in areas including Bemina, Gund Hassibhat, and Jehangir Chowk in the city, and in Pulwama town in south Kashmir.

Scores of protesters, from Shia-majority localities, marched through the streets raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.

Officials said security forces used mild force at some locations to disperse crowds after demonstrations intensified.

Authorities fired tear gas shells in certain places to control the situation and prevent escalation.

As a precautionary measure, Police sealed Lal Chowk on Monday and imposed restrictions on civilian movement in parts of Srinagar following a Sunday evening meeting of top security officials.

During the meeting, officers reviewed the fallout of the previous dayís protests and expressed concern that the demonstrations could develop into broader law-and-order challenges if not contained.

Security forces remained on high alert across sensitive districts amid apprehensions that unrest could spread further. On Sunday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha appealed for calm, urging all communities to maintain peace and unity.

He said the administration was closely monitoring developments in West Asia and their potential local impact.

Senior officials also said coordination was underway with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and welfare of residents and students from Jammu and Kashmir currently in West Asia.

Meanwhile, authorities in Kashmir decided to continue restrictions on the movement of people in several parts of the Valley amid ongoing protests against killing of the spiritual leader, officials said on Tuesday.

The decision was taken following a high-level review of the prevailing law and order situation by senior civil and Police officials. After assessing ground reports and security inputs, authorities resolved that the curbs would remain in place as a precautionary measure to prevent any escalation.

Officials said that no public assembly or gathering would be allowed, and strict restrictions would be imposed in sensitive areas.

Movement of civilians would be regulated, particularly in locations identified as vulnerable.

A senior Police officer said the measures were purely preventive in nature.

ìAfter reviewing the situation, it has been decided that restrictions on movement will remain in force. No assembly will be permitted. The step has been taken to maintain peace and prevent any untoward incident,î the officer said.

Security forces have been deployed in significant numbers across key towns, with additional personnel stationed at major intersections and public squares.

Barricades have been erected in various localities to regulate vehicular and pedestrian movement, and patrolling has been intensified to ensure compliance with the orders.

The continued restrictions follow protests reported from several parts of the Valley, including Srinagar and districts like Budgam and Bandipora.

Authorities said the situation was being monitored closely and would be reviewed on a day-to-day basis. Residents have been urged to cooperate with the administration and refrain from spreading rumours or unverified information. Officials reiterated that any violation of prohibitory orders would attract legal action under relevant provisions of law.