Indian authorities continued strict restrictions across Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir for the second consecutive day in the wake of forceful protests over the martyrdom of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike in Iran. According to Kashmir Media Service, all public and vehicular movement was disallowed in Srinagar city, where heavy contingents of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force personnel were deployed at major intersections and marketplaces.

Tin-sheet barricades and concertina wires were erected at Lal Chowk and other key points to prevent gatherings.  Similar curbs were enforced in several districts of the Valley, particularly in areas with sizeable Shia populations, including Budgam, Magam, Gund Hasibhat, Mirgund, Pattan and Palhalan. Educational institutions across the Valley remained closed, while Kashmir University postponed scheduled examinations. Internet speeds were throttled to restrict the uploading of content on social media.  

Despite the restrictions, religious congregations assembled in localities of Srinagar such as Zadibal, Saida Kadal, Lal Bazar, Chattabal, Habba Kadal and Pandrethan, where mourners held Quran Khawani and offered Zuhr prayers followed by condolence speeches. The gatherings concluded peacefully. Meanwhile, Indian police warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt public order. In a statement, police warned for enforcing further restrictions if the protests continued.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)