Srinagar: Restrictions remained in force in parts of Kashmir for the third consecutive day on Wednesday as authorities continued preventive measures to maintain law and order following protests over the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel airstrike.
The restrictions will remain enforce on Thursday too, officials said.
Police and paramilitary forces maintained a strong presence in sensitive areas, with barricades erected at several sensitive locations, particularly in parts of Srinagar city.
However, signs of gradual normalcy were visible in several areas as markets in some of Srinagar’s civil lines localities, including Maharaja Bazar and Goni Khun, opened during the day, while Lal Chowk—the city’s commercial hub—and its adjoining markets remained closed.
Public transport operated partially in some areas, while the movement of private vehicles was seen on the roads. Educational institutions remained off across all eight districts as a precautionary measure. The administration has extended the closure of schools, colleges, and universities across the Valley until March 07, 2026.
Mobile internet services continued to remain throttled with speeds reduced to 2G (not exceeding 128 kbps), while prepaid calling services remained suspended till 8 PM on Wednesday, according to an order issued by the J&K Home Department.
Long queues were witnessed outside several fuel stations in Srinagar and elsewhere in the valley during the day. People said they were stocking up on fuel as a precautionary measure, apprehending a possible rise in fuel prices in coming days.
“We are filling our tanks to ensure we have sufficient stock in case rates go up in coming days,” they added.
The restrictions, imposed earlier this week in view of the protests, are being reviewed on a day-to-day basis depending on the ground situation, officials said. A huge deployment of security forces was witnessed in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, the city’s commercial hub, which remained sealed with concertina wire and barricades for the day. Officials said the area continues to be under strict vigil to prevent any fresh mobilization.
“The situation is gradually returning to normalcy on the ground, as no untoward incident has been reported from anywhere in the valley so far,” an official said, adding that the situation was under constant review, and further directions would follow after assessing the overall situation.
Police have issued an appeal to people to refrain from violence and provocation.
“We appeal to all sections of the society to exercise restraint and refrain from violence and provocation,” it said.
Meanwhile, precautionary restrictions imposed in several parts of the Kashmir on Monday will continue to remain in force on Thursday.
The precautionary restrictions were put in place earlier this week following US and Israeli attacks on Iran which led to the killing of Iran Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
An official told the news agency KNO that the situation was being reviewed on a regular basis but restrictions would continue to ensure maintenance of law and order. “Security arrangements have been beefed up in sensitive areas, including parts of downtown Srinagar and Lal Chowk, to prevent any untoward incident,” he said, adding, “The situation is under review. Restrictions will continue on Thursday as a precautionary measure.”
Another official said that mobile internet services across the Valley have been restricted to 2G speed and the arrangement will remain in place till Thursday evening.
