Restrictions over Khamenei killing in Iran lifted in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir

Life in Indian-administered Kashmir on Saturday returned to normal as authorities lifted restrictions imposed after protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Officials said barricades erected at several places, including in the capital Srinagar, were removed as the situation seems “peaceful and normal.”

The iconic Ghanta Ghar clock tower at Lal Chowk in Srinagar had been sealed off after massive protests erupted there on Sunday following Khamenei’s killing in a joint US-Israeli airstrike.

Shops and business establishments reopened in the region while public and private transport resumed normal operations after a week-long shutdown.

High-speed internet and prepaid mobile services, suspended on Monday, were restored on Friday evening. Educational institutions will likely reopen on Monday.

Authorities said most police and paramilitary personnel have been withdrawn, though the situation continues to be monitored.

Kashmir, home to around 1.5 million Shia Muslims, witnessed protests in several parts of Kashmir, followed by the authorities curbing the movement of people.

The protests erupted after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, killing Khamenei and more than 1,332 others, including dozens of school girls.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting US-linked sites in Gulf countries, resulting in multiple fatalities. Six US service members have reportedly been killed and several others injured.

The government of India has expressed “anxiety” over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and reiterated its call for dialogue and an early end to the conflict.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti this week urged the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to evacuate thousands of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran due to the war.