Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Mar 6: Authorities have decided to lift precautionary restrictions across Kashmir from Saturday onwards, while high-speed internet and prepaid mobile calling services were restored across the Valley on Friday evening.
The decision to lift curbs was taken after a review of the situation following congregation prayers.
A senior official said, “The restrictions were preventive in nature and imposed to ensure that the situation remained under control. After reviewing the ground situation following Friday prayers, it has been decided that the curbs will not continue from Saturday.”
He said the situation across Kashmir remained largely peaceful and no incident was reported from any district.
Pertinently, the precautionary restrictions were imposed across Kashmir earlier this week in wake of processions and rallies that were taken out in different parts of Kashmir after the killing of Iran Supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, in US-Israel strikes.
In the days that followed, security forces maintained heightened vigil in downtown and other sensitive locations across the Valley to prevent any untoward incident.
As part of the precautionary measures, authorities had slowed down mobile internet services to 2G speed and suspended prepaid mobile calling services across Kashmir.
Officials said these steps were taken to check the spread of misinformation and prevent mobilisation that could disturb public order.
Authorities this evening restored high-speed internet services and prepaid mobile calling across the Valley after assessing the overall situation.
“With the restoration of high-speed internet and prepaid calling, normal communication services have resumed across the Valley,” an official said.
Authorities said the situation is being monitored and security forces will continue to remain on alert in sensitive areas as a precautionary measure.
Earlier in the day, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Birdi, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Central Kashmir and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar and other officers visited downtown in Srinagar and reviewed the security situation.
DGP Prabhat, IGP Birdi and other officers assessed the security arrangements in several sensitive areas of the old city. They visited Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta, Hazratbal shrine and other pockets to take stock of the deployment of police and security personnel, an official said.
During the visit, the DGP, IGP and other senior officers interacted with officials on the ground and asked them to remain alert while ensuring smooth public movement and the peaceful conduct of religious activities, the official added.
Meanwhile, Srinagar Police issued an advisory urging media organisations, social media users and the public to act responsibly while sharing or publishing information related to the prevailing situation.
In a statement, a police spokesman asked people to avoid circulating unverified reports, speculation or rumours and ensure that information is confirmed through credible sources before dissemination.
Authorities warned that the spread of misinformation or rumours could create panic, disturb public order and affect communal harmony.
Police said legal action would be taken against individuals or groups found involved in spreading false or misleading information under relevant provisions of law. (KNO)
