Srinagar, Mar 6: Kashmir witnessed a largely peaceful day on Friday as authorities maintained precautionary security arrangements across sensitive areas while gradually easing restrictions imposed earlier in the week.
Senior Police officials said that the situation across Kashmir remained calm, with no major incidents reported from any district.
Senior Police officers said here that while security forces remained vigilant, there were precautionary measures in place during the day.
Precautionary measures remained on Friday in some areas as authorities apprehended disturbance against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after congregational Friday prayers.
A large number of Police and paramilitary CRPF personnel were deployed across the city in the early hours to prevent gatherings, officials said.
They said that concertina wires and barricades were placed at important intersections leading into the city, while asserting that these were precautionary measures imposed to maintain law and order.
The Ghanta Ghar in the city centre of Lal Chowk here continued to remain a no-go zone after the authorities sealed area with barricades erected all around it on late Sunday night.
“Today has been peaceful across Kashmir. There won’t be any restrictions on Saturday,” IGP Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi told Greater Kashmir. “There will be constant vigil.”
Addressing concerns over communication services, the IGP said that internet services across Kashmir would be restored from midnight, bringing relief to residents, businesses, and students who had been facing difficulties due to the temporary suspension.
Officials said the suspension had been imposed as a preventive step to curb the spread of misinformation and maintain public order during a sensitive period. Authorities regularly review such measures and restore services once the security situation stabilises.
Although there were no formal restrictions on movement, security personnel were deployed at key intersections, sensitive localities, and major public areas to ensure law and order.
Mobile patrols and checkpoints were also in place in certain districts as part of routine precautionary measures.
Police officials said the deployment was meant to reassure the public and deter any attempts to disturb peace.
Quick Response Teams (QRTs) were kept on standby to respond to any emergency situation if required.
Officials said that security agencies would continue to closely monitor the situation across the region.
Coordination between Police, civil administration, and other security agencies remains in place to ensure that peace is maintained.
Police urged people to remain calm and cooperate with authorities, stressing that public cooperation plays a crucial role in maintaining stability.
“Our priority is to ensure peace and safety for everyone. We request people not to pay attention to rumours and to rely only on official information,” Police said.
The administration has appealed to the public to continue their daily activities normally while remaining vigilant and supportive of efforts aimed at maintaining lasting peace in Kashmir.
POLICE ISSUE FRESH ADVISORY
Meanwhile, Police in several districts of Kashmir issued fresh advisories urging media organisations, social media users, and people to exercise restraint and responsibility while sharing information, warning that strict legal action would be taken against those found spreading misinformation or rumours.
The advisories were issued by Police in Srinagar, Budgam, Kulgam, and other districts in view of the prevailing situation, with authorities emphasising the need to maintain peace and prevent the circulation of unverified content that could create panic or disturb public order.
In Srinagar, Police advised all media organisations, social media users, and people to ensure that any information shared on electronic or social media platforms is verified through credible and authoritative sources before being disseminated.
Officials cautioned against publishing speculation, rumours, or unconfirmed reports, saying that the circulation of such content could create unnecessary panic, disturb public order, and adversely affect communal harmony.
Police reiterated that strict legal action would be initiated against any individual or entity found involved in spreading misinformation under relevant provisions of the law.
“Srinagar Police urges all citizens to cooperate with the authorities and contribute towards maintaining peace, order, and harmony in the district,” the advisory said.
A similar advisory was issued by the Budgam Police Media Cell, urging media organisations, social media users, and the proble to exercise responsibility while reporting or sharing information on digital platforms.
The Police said that people should refrain from circulating unverified information, speculation, or rumours and must confirm all reports through credible and genuine sources before dissemination.
“The circulation of rumours, misinformation, or unverified content may create unnecessary panic, disturb public order, and adversely affect peace and tranquility in the district,” the advisory said.
Budgam Police also said that social media and other media activities were being closely monitored and warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found spreading misinformation.
In south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, Police issued a similar appeal to media houses, journalists, and social media users, asking them to exercise caution while reporting or sharing information in view of the prevailing security situation.
Kulgam Police urged people to refrain from circulating unverified news, rumours, or speculative content and emphasised that all information must be confirmed through official and credible sources before publication.
Police warned that anyone found spreading misinformation or creating panic would face strict action as per the law.
Authorities across the districts appealed to people to cooperate with the administration and play a responsible role in maintaining peace, stability, and communal harmony.
Police officials stressed that responsible reporting and careful use of social media are essential during sensitive situations to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure that the public receives accurate and reliable information.
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