Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 2: Pro-Iran demonstrations continued across the Kashmir Valley on Monday despite heightened restrictions and heavy deployment of security forces aimed at maintaining law and order. Clashes between protesters and security personnel were reported at a few locations as authorities sought to contain the unrest.

Large numbers of police and paramilitary personnel were stationed across the Valley, with special focus on Shia-majority areas in Srinagar and surrounding districts. Concertina wire barricades were erected at Lal Chowk in Srinagar’s city centre, where thousands had gathered a day earlier to raise slogans against the United States and Israel.

Educational institutions, including schools, colleges and universities, remained closed on Monday and will continue to stay shut on Tuesday. The University of Kashmir announced that examinations scheduled for the two days have been postponed, with revised dates to be notified later.

Authorities imposed movement restrictions in several areas and reduced internet speeds to curb the spread of provocative material on social media platforms. This marks the second consecutive day of protests following reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint US-Israel airstrikes.

Demonstrations were reported from Bemina, Gund Hassi Bhat, Budgam, Magam, Shalteng and Jehangir Chowk in Srinagar, as well as Pulwama in south Kashmir. Protesters marched through the streets chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. In some instances, security forces resorted to mild lathi charges and tear smoke shells to disperse crowds.

The shutdown call was issued by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chief cleric and chairman of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama, and received support from political groups including the Peoples Democratic Party led by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

The Kashmir Valley is home to an estimated 16 lakh Shia Muslims, largely concentrated in areas such as Zadibal in Srinagar and towns including Magam and Budgam, along with several villages across Baramulla, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Anantnag and Bandipora districts.

Senior officials, including Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, personally supervised security arrangements. According to official sources, forces were instructed to exercise restraint and use force only when absolutely necessary, with the primary objective being to prevent anti-social elements from exploiting the protests to disturb public order.