Normalcy returned across Kashmir on Saturday as markets reopened and public transport resumed normal operations after several days of restrictions.
Internet and prepaid mobile phone services, which had been suspended in the wake of protests, were also restored on Friday evening.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir had imposed curbs in parts of the Valley five days earlier to prevent protests following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli-US attack on February 28.
The restrictions were lifted on Friday evening from Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, which had been barricaded with tin sheets and coils of barbed wire to prevent another gathering of Shia mourners near the Ghanta Ghar, Srinagar.
On Sunday, hundreds of mourners had assembled at Lal Chowk to protest against the assassination of Khamenei and the attack on Iran by Israel and the United States. It was the first time that such large-scale protests were reported in Kashmir after the Centre abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution of India on August 5, 2019.
While protests on Sunday remained peaceful, tensions escalated the following day after police prevented marchers from moving towards Lal Chowk. Demonstrators turned violent at several places, prompting police to use tear gas shells and batons to disperse the crowds.
Officials said that after the situation remained peaceful on Friday, the curbs were gradually eased.
However, senior security officials continued to maintain a close watch on the situation.
