After a peaceful day in the Kashmir Valley on Friday, authorities have announced the return of normalcy and the lifting of all restrictions starting Saturday.
Friday saw congregational prayers taking place peacefully across all districts of the Valley, including Srinagar city. Following a high-level security review meeting in the evening, sources revealed that restrictions would be removed the next day.
According to sources, high-speed internet services will be fully restored by the evening, and prepaid mobile phones will resume normal operations. Additionally, both public and private transport will be permitted to operate in the Valley from Saturday morning.
Authorities clarified that the precautionary restrictions were put in place to prevent any misuse of public sentiments by troublemakers and anti-social elements. While restrictions are being lifted, security forces will maintain their presence to ensure law and order and monitor the situation closely.
In response to the recent events surrounding the Iranian Supreme Leader’s death, restrictions were imposed in the Valley on March 1, leading to clashes in Shia Muslim-dominated areas. Despite the tensions, security forces exercised restraint to safeguard civilian lives and property during and after the clashes.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, engaged with civil society members in Srinagar, urging them to express their grief over the Iranian developments in a peaceful and orderly manner. The Chief Minister’s call for discipline received a positive reception from various sections of the society.
