NewzVille Desk
Life across Kashmir returned to normal on Saturday after authorities lifted restrictions imposed earlier in the week following protests in several parts of the Valley. Officials said security curbs were withdrawn after the situation stabilized.
“Restrictions have been lifted across the Valley and the situation is normal,” officials said, adding that barricades erected at several locations, including Srinagar’s Lal Chowk city center, had been removed.
The Ghanta Ghar clock tower at Lal Chowk had been sealed with barricades after large demonstrations erupted there Sunday following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint strike by the United States and Israel.
Officials said shops and other businesses reopened in Lal Chowk and other parts of Srinagar on Saturday morning, while both public and private transport resumed normal operations.
Mobile internet services, suspended Monday amid the unrest, were restored Friday evening along with prepaid SIM card services.
Educational institutions, however, remained closed and are scheduled to reopen March 9.
Authorities had imposed strict restrictions Monday on movement and public assembly in parts of Kashmir after large street protests were reported in several areas.
While most barricades and deployments of police and paramilitary personnel, including the Central Reserve Police Force, have been withdrawn from Srinagar, officials said the situation continues to be closely monitored.
