• DGP Nalin Prabhat, IGP V. K. Birdi visit Downtown to assess security situation
• No restrictions today
• Police urge responsible reporting, warns against rumour-mongering
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar: Authorities on Friday evening restored high-speed mobile internet and prepaid calling services across Kashmir, while announcing that precautionary restrictions imposed in parts of the Valley earlier this week will be lifted from Saturday.
Officials said the decision was taken after reviewing the situation following Friday congregational prayers, which passed off peacefully across districts. No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the Valley.
A senior Police official said that the restrictions were preventive in nature and were imposed to ensure that the situation remained under control.
“After assessing the ground situation following Friday prayers, it has been decided that the curbs will not continue from Saturday,” he said.
According to officials, no major incident was reported from any district during the day, prompting authorities to gradually restore communication services and ease restrictions.
Precautionary measures had been put in place earlier this week after rallies and protests were reported in parts of Kashmir following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in strikes reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel.
In the days that followed, security forces maintained heightened vigil in downtown Srinagar and other sensitive locations across the Valley to prevent any untoward incidents.
As part of these measures, authorities had slowed mobile internet services to 2G speed, suspended internet services in parts of Kashmir, and halted prepaid mobile calling services across the Valley.
Officials said the restrictions were aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and curbing mobilisation that could disrupt public order.
With the restoration of high-speed internet and prepaid calling on Friday evening, communication services have largely returned to normal across the Valley.
Officials said the situation will continue to be monitored closely and security forces will remain deployed in sensitive areas as a precautionary measure.
Earlier in the day, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, accompanied by Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) V. K. Birdi, DIG CKR, SSP Srinagar, and other officers reviewed the security and law & order situation in several parts of the city, including Hazratbal, Nowhatta, and other areas of downtown Srinagar, to ensure effective security arrangements.
The officers assessed the situation in sensitive localities, including the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Nowhatta and the Hazratbal Shrine.
The official said senior officers interacted with personnel deployed on the ground and directed them to remain vigilant while ensuring smooth public movement and the peaceful conduct of religious activities.
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 spokesperson asked people to avoid circulating unverified reports, speculation or rumours and to ensure that all information is confirmed through credible sources before dissemination.
“In view of the prevailing situation, Srinagar Police advises all media organisations, social media users and members of the general public to exercise utmost responsibility while reporting, publishing or sharing any information on electronic or social media platforms,” the statement said.
The police further urged people to refrain from publishing unverified information, speculation or rumours, warning that the circulation of misinformation could create unnecessary panic, disturb public order and adversely affect communal harmony.
It also cautioned that strict legal action would be taken against any individual or entity found involved in spreading misinformation or rumours under the relevant provisions of law.
