Restrictions to continue today
Srinagar, March 02: Authorities on Monday imposed strict curbs across Srinagar to maintain law and order a day after the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei in the US-Israel strike. The restrictions will continue on Tuesday as a “precautionary measure” to maintain law and order, officials said.
Shia leaders have made a fervent appeal to their followers and mourners across Kashmir to maintain discipline and organise mourning congregations in their respective areas only in a peaceful manner.
Meanwhile, Srinagar residents woke up to the strict restrictions across the city, especially around Lal Chowk, where security forces were deployed in length since early morning. Entry and exit points were sealed, and nobody was allowed to proceed towards the historic clock tower.
As per the eye-witnesses, massive mourning protests that came from Bemina, Sharifabad, and other adjoining areas were intercepted at Bemina-Qamarwari road crossing, where security forces pushed the protesters back.
A senior security official said that similar curbs will remain in place across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley as a “precautionary measure” on Tuesday as well.
Shia leaders that include Chairman Itehadul Muslimeen Masoor Abbas Ansari and Aga Syed Mujtaba Abbas Mosavi of Anjumane Sharie Shian, urged people, especially their followers, to maintain discipline and to hold peaceful mourning congregations.
In a statement to Rising Kashmir, Ansari said the people who participated in Sunday’s mourning congregation deserve applause for maintaining discipline. “We have given a programme of mourning congregations till Friday, and till then, we have urged people to organise mourning congregations in their respective areas,” he said.
Ansari urged people not to take the law into their hands and instead stage peaceful mourning protests. “People should organise peaceful protests on Friday in their respective areas while maintaining proper discipline and peace,” he said.
Aga Syed Mujataba Abbas Mosavi of Anjumane Sharie Shian advised people of Kashmir to maintain peace and non-violence at all costs after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader. He said: “In these trying times, as you gather to express your grief and seek justice through demonstrations and protests, I appeal to you to maintain peace and non-violence at all costs. Let your voices be heard through unity and restraint. Avoid any actions that could escalate tensions or harm innocent lives.”
