Srinagar Police Halt Congress Protest Against US-India Trade Deal and Iran Leader's Death
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Srinagar, March 9 (NationPress) Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar city intervened on Monday, halting Congress leaders and their supporters from conducting a protest march. This demonstration was aimed at expressing dissent against the US-India trade agreement and the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatullah Ali Khamenei.
Gathering at the party headquarters located on Maulana Azad Road, Congress members attempted to proceed towards Lal Chowk to voice their concerns.
However, police and security forces stationed outside the party office impeded the protesters, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring safety and maintaining public order.
The protest was a reaction to the US-India trade deal and the reported killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader during alleged joint air strikes by the US and Israel on Tehran on February 28. Congress representatives accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of undermining national interests through this trade agreement.
They condemned the deal, arguing that it represented a capitulation of the nation's economic interests. Protesters also chanted slogans denouncing the assassination of the Iranian leader.
Despite the police's intervention, public and private transportation continued to operate as usual, and demonstrators were not allowed to take to the streets.
On the same day, life in the Kashmir Valley returned to normal. Schools, colleges, and universities reopened after being shut down for nearly a week.
Government offices, banks, post offices, shops, markets, and public transport resumed regular operations throughout the Valley.
The region had seen significant unrest following reports of Ayatullah Ali Khamenei's death in air strikes on Tehran on February 28. Protests were particularly fervent in areas with a Shia majority, though Sunni community members also participated in demonstrations across various locations.
To prevent damage to public property and ensure law and order, authorities had implemented restrictions in numerous areas of the Valley. These restrictions were lifted on Saturday, allowing normal activities to gradually restart.