National, March 2: Authorities on March 2 curtailed high-speed mobile internet services across the Kashmir Valley following spontaneous protests over the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Officials described the throttling of internet speeds as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the region.
Khamenei was reportedly killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Saturday during a joint Israel–U.S. military operation targeting Iran. Iranian state media confirmed his death on Sunday, triggering protests and mourning gatherings in several parts of the world, including India.
In Kashmir, which has a significant Shia population estimated at around 15 lakh, demonstrations were reported from multiple locations, including Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama. Protesters were seen beating their chests and raising slogans against the United States and Israel.
An official stated that high-speed mobile data services had been throttled across all telecom networks in the Valley. However, no formal order specifying the duration of the restrictions was immediately made public.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police issued an advisory to media organisations and digital news platforms, urging restraint and professionalism in reporting developments related to the protests.
“Refrain from publishing unverified information, speculation, or rumours. Ensure that all reports are confirmed through credible and authoritative sources before dissemination, and avoid sensational headlines that may create unnecessary panic,” the advisory stated.
Police emphasised that responsible and accurate reporting was crucial to maintaining public trust and preventing the spread of misinformation during the sensitive situation.
