DGP visits old city, reviews security situation
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Mar 6: After five days of restrictions in parts of Kashmir to prevent protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, in US-Israel strikes on Sunday, authorities this evening restored the high-speed internet and decided to lift the curbs on the movement from tomorrow after improvement in situation.
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The decision to lift the curbs on the movement and restore high speed internet was taken after assessment of the situation by the administration.
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Earlier restrictions, imposed on Monday, were tightened in Srinagar and several other parts of Kashmir today amid fears of fresh protests due to Friday gatherings.
Normal life remained disrupted in several areas for the sixth consecutive day after protests erupted in parts of the Valley following the killing of Khamenei.
Authorities imposed restrictions in a number of localities and throttled mobile internet speeds in an effort to prevent further gatherings.
An official said the measures were intensified on Friday as large congregational prayers during the fasting month of Ramadan often draw large crowds, raising concerns that demonstrations could take place after prayers.
Head priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said he had been placed under house arrest and that roads and streets around his residence had been barricaded.
Police and paramilitary forces were deployed across Srinagar early in the morning, while concertina wires and barricades were placed at several key points to prevent people from assembling.
The city centre, Lal Chowk was sealed off and remained largely inaccessible to the public. The area witnessed large demonstrations earlier this week when thousands gathered to protest the killing of the Iranian leader.
The government had also ordered the closure of educational institutions across the Valley till Saturday as a precautionary measure.
As the scale of protests declined over the past two days, the administration has decided to lift the curbs ahead of re-opening of schools on Monday.
Earlier in the day, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Birdi, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Central Kashmir and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar and other officers visited downtown in Srinagar and reviewed the security situation.
DGP, IGP and other officers assessed the security arrangements in several sensitive areas of the old city. They visited Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta, Hazratbal shrine and other pockets to take stock of the deployment of police and security personnel.
During the visit, the DGP, IGP and other senior officers interacted with officials on the ground and asked them to remain alert while ensuring smooth public movement and the peaceful conduct of religious activities.
Meanwhile, Srinagar Police issued an advisory urging media organisations, social media users and the public to act responsibly while sharing or publishing information related to the prevailing situation.
In a statement, a police spokesman asked people to avoid circulating unverified reports, speculation or rumours and ensure that information is confirmed through credible sources before dissemination.
Authorities warned that the spread of misinformation or rumours could create panic, disturb public order and affect communal harmony.
Police said legal action would be taken against individuals or groups found involved in spreading false or misleading information under relevant provisions of law.
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