Srinagar, Mar 7: Life returned to normal across Kashmir on Saturday after authorities lifted restrictions that had been imposed earlier this week following tensions triggered by the killing of Shia spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint strike by USA and Israel.
Officials said restrictions on movement and assembly were removed from all parts of the Valley after the situation remained largely peaceful over the past 24 hours.
Security barricades that had been placed at sensitive locations, including Srinagar’s central square at Lal Chowk, were also taken down.
Shops and business establishments have reopened across the region, and public transport has resumed operations.
Curbs on internet services and prepaid mobile telephony were also withdrawn.
In Srinagar, the iconic Lal Chowk was again bustling with activity.
The decision to ease restrictions followed a peaceful Friday prayer session across most of Kashmir.
“The restrictions have been lifted from across the Valley and the situation is normal,” an official said, adding that security deployments had been scaled down though authorities continue to closely monitor developments.
The clock tower at Lal Chowk, popularly known as Ghanta Ghar, which had been heavily guarded earlier in the week, also saw normal movement of people and traffic on Saturday.
Mobile internet services and prepaid SIM card connections, which had been suspended as a precautionary measure on Monday, were restored on Friday evening after authorities assessed that tensions had eased.
However, educational institutions across Kashmir remain closed and are scheduled to reopen on March 9.
Restrictions were initially imposed in several areas on Monday following reports of Khamenei’s killing.
With the resumption of high-speed internet and prepaid calling services, normal digital and communication activities are expected to gradually return to routine across the Valley.
Authorities said they were closely monitoring the situation to ensure the smooth functioning of services.
Police had issued an advisory urging media organisations, social media users, and the people to act responsibly while sharing information related to the situation.
Police asked people to refrain from circulating unverified reports, speculation, or rumours and to rely only on credible sources.
Police warned that the spread of misinformation could create panic and disturb public order, adding that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found disseminating false or misleading content under relevant provisions of the law.
