SRINAGAR – The Jammu and Kashmir Police issued a stern warning on Monday following a surge of violence across the Valley, stating that while the right to peaceful mourning is respected, rioting and stone-pelting will be met with strict legal action.
The warning follows a day of intense clashes that left 12 people injured, including five police personnel, as demonstrators attempted to march toward the city center in protest of the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Escalation into Violence
While massive gatherings on Sunday remained largely peaceful, the situation deteriorated on Monday when smaller groups emerged from various locations, leading to the first significant instances of stone-throwing in Srinagar in years.
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Lal Chowk Sealed: Security forces erected metal fences and concertina wires at all entry and exit points to the city center to prevent mass convergence.
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Shalteng Clashes: Heavy stone-throwing was reported on the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway, resulting in damage to private vehicles before police restored traffic flow.
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Security Response: Law enforcement utilized tear gas and batons to disperse crowds that defied restrictions.
Police Statement on Public Order
In an official statement, the J&K Police emphasized the socio-economic cost of civil unrest:
“In view of recent developments in the Middle East, we respect the right of citizens to peacefully express themselves… However, incidents of rioting, stone-throwing, and disruption of public order are not acceptable.”
The police further highlighted that violence leads to:
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Educational Disruptions: All schools and colleges in Kashmir have been ordered closed for two days.
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Economic Hardship: Impacting daily wagers, traders, and local families.
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Communication Curbs: Mobile internet services have been restricted to prevent the spread of provocative content.
Current Situation
A massive deployment of police and paramilitary forces remains in place to enforce control orders. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the region experiences a significant outpouring of grief and anger.
