Shutdown, clashes in Kashmir, Ladakh over Iran strikes; curbs tightened

Srinagar: A complete shutdown was observed across the Kashmir Valley and in parts of Jammu and Ladakh against the US-Israel aggression on Iran and the killing of its supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

Authorities had imposed restrictions on the movement of people in parts of Kashmir where protests were reported for the second consecutive day on Monday. The businesses remained shut, educational institutions closed and public transport remained off the roads.

The mobile internet speed was also restricted.


The police and para military forces used tear gas shells and batton charge to thwart the protestors inclduing women at a few places in and around Srinagar. An unverified video of a policeman thrashing a female protestor was shared by Lok Sabha member from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah on social media with a comment, "Bravo J&K police for this. Netanyahu must be happy with you." A prominent Shia cleric Aga Hadi also condemned the use of force against the protestors.

The iconic clock tower at Lal Chowk was barricaded as tin sheets were erected and concertina wire spread on all the roads leading to the tower in the Srinagar city centre.

The officials informed that protests gatherings were reported at over 40 places across the Valley including Jehangir Chowk, Saida Kadal, HMT in Srinagar district and Shia dominated areas of Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama districts of Kashmir. Doda and Kishtwar in Chenab Valley and Kargil in Ladakh observed complete shutdown. Poonch district in Pirpanjal region of Jammu has called for shutdown on March 3. The schools, colleges and universities in Kashmir will remain closed on March 3 as well.

The protesters were seen beating their chests as they shouted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.

The officials said the restrictions were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.

The restrictions were imposed in the wake of a one-day strike call given by Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. The MMU strike call was supported by several political parties, including opposition PDP president Mehbooba Mufti.