Schools, universities shut; 2G restrictions continue in Kashmir amid protests over Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killing

While pre-paid mobile data restrictions and the suspension of certain telecom services in the Kashmir Valley will remain in place till Wednesday evening, the Union Territory government has decided to shut all educational institutions, including universities, till March 7 as a precautionary measure.

The decision follows widespread protests across the Kashmir Valley against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Education Minister Sakina Itoo said that, in order to ensure the safety of students, the government has decided to close all educational institutions till Sunday.

“We have decided to keep schools, colleges, and universities closed till March 7,” Minister Itoo said.

The Minister added that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will take a call on reopening educational institutions only after assessing the ground situation.

Following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint US-Israeli strikes, widespread protests erupted across Jammu and Kashmir.

Pertinently, schools up to Class 8 were all set to reopen on Monday after a winter break of more than two months.

Earlier, on February 23, schools for Classes 9 to 12 resumed academic activities in the Kashmir division and winter zones of the Jammu division following a winter break of over 70 days.

Teaching activities suspended at the University of Kashmir till March 7

The University of Kashmir has announced the suspension of all teaching and academic activities across its campuses up to and including March 7, 2026.

According to an official notice issued by the Registrar, the decision applies to all campuses of the varsity. Students have been advised to stay updated through official university communications.

Meanwhile, the University of Kashmir has postponed all examinations scheduled to be held on March 4, 2026, according to an official notification issued by the Office of the Controller of Examinations.

The notice states that all university examinations slated for Wednesday have been postponed. Fresh dates for the postponed examinations will be notified separately.

The order, issued by the Assistant Controller of Examinations (Conduct), has been circulated to the concerned authorities for necessary action, including uploading the notification on the official university website and informing the media.

Students have been advised to remain updated through official university channels for further announcements regarding the revised examination schedule.

Precautionary restrictions to remain in force

Precautionary restrictions imposed in Kashmir on Monday will continue tomorrow, while a decision on restoring high-speed mobile internet services will be taken after a review.

Sources said the situation is under review, but the curbs will remain in force on Wednesday to maintain law and order.

Security personnel have been deployed in strength in sensitive areas, including parts of downtown Srinagar and Lal Chowk, to prevent any untoward incidents.

Reports said the situation was under control in most parts of the Kashmir Valley; however, minor protests were reported from parts of Sopore, Baramulla, Budgam, and Bandipora districts.

Mobile restrictions to continue across Kashmir Valley till March 4

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has confirmed the temporary restriction of prepaid mobile internet services across the entire Kashmir Valley, limiting services to 2G speed till 8:00 PM on March 4, 2026.

According to an official order issued by the Home Department, prepaid mobile data services (2G/3G/4G) have been reduced to 2G speed, not exceeding 128 Kbps. Prepaid mobile services, including voice and SMS, as well as pre-on-post (JK10) data services, remain temporarily restricted across the Valley.

As per the government communication, the decision was taken in view of apprehensions that the continuation of high-speed internet services could potentially disturb public order and security. The restrictions came into effect from 9:00 AM on March 1, 2026, and will remain in force till 8:00 PM on March 4, 2026.

The Home Department stated that, after reviewing the material placed before it, the government found it absolutely necessary to confirm the directions issued by the Authorized Officer in the interest of maintaining public order and safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of the Union Territory.

The order has been issued by the Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department, and copies have been forwarded to senior administrative and police officials for necessary action.

Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with the measures aimed at maintaining peace and stability across the region.