SRINAGAR: Authorities in the Kashmir Valley on Monday ordered the closure of all educational institutions for two days as restrictions were imposed to maintain law and order. The move comes in the wake of recent US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, officials said, aimed at preventing miscreants and anti-national elements from exploiting public sentiment.Schools, colleges and universities across all ten districts of the Valley will remain closed, with Kashmir University postponing exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Students from Class 9 to 12 were expected to resume classes on Monday following the nearly three-month-long winter recess.
Security deployment in sensitive areasPolice and security forces have been deployed in strength across Srinagar, with barricades erected in the city centre, Lal Chowk, where thousands had gathered on Sunday to protest the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in US-Israeli airstrikes. Authorities are enforcing stricter measures in old city and uptown areas, which have a sizeable Shia Muslim population.Vehicular movement between areas has been restricted, and inter-district public transport in the Valley has been suspended. Traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway continues to operate, albeit with fewer private vehicles.The Ladakh administration is also monitoring the situation closely, particularly in the Kargil district, which has a predominantly Shia Muslim population.Administration appeals for calmLt. Governor Manoj Sinha chaired a security review meeting on Sunday. DGP Nalin Prabhat is in Srinagar to oversee the enforcement of security arrangements. In a message on X, the L-G said, “Chaired a meeting to review the security situation across J&K UT. Called upon all communities to stay peaceful and calm. I salute the unwavering, synchronized resolve of our Police and security forces upholding law and order,” according to IANS.Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed concern over developments in Iran. He stated, “I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest. We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures. The Government of Jammu & Kashmir is in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to ensure the safety and well-being of J&K residents, including students, currently in Iran,” IANS reported.Officials noted that in addition to local professionals, 1,200 students from Jammu and Kashmir are currently studying in Iran, further prompting precautionary measures.
