Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: Following the recent US-Israel war against Iran and air strikes on the Iranian capital Tehran on February 28, authorities imposed precautionary restrictions in parts of Kashmir, slowing internet services, closing educational institutions and increasing security presence in sensitive areas. While officials described the measures as necessary to maintain public order, residents say the impact is again being felt most acutely in daily life, from classrooms to marketplaces.
In the following days, internet services were reduced to 2G speeds in several areas, schools and colleges were closed, and additional security measures were visible in Srinagar and other districts. In certain areas, public transport was disrupted by road blockades and barricades.
Schools were closed until March 7th
Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo said the closure of institutions was a precautionary step.
“To ensure the safety of students, the government has decided to close all educational institutions until Sunday. We have decided to keep schools, colleges and universities closed until March 7,” Itoo said. The minister added that the authorities are closely monitoring the situation and that a decision on reopening will only be made after assessing the ground conditions.
People take part in a protest march in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, holding portraits and flags while expressing grief over the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Image credit: Owais Ameen)
The order came shortly after schools and colleges prepared to reopen after winter break, leaving many students uncertain about their schedules. Several exams scheduled for these dates have also been postponed.
Students say academic rhythm is disrupted
For many students, the sudden change has disrupted their carefully planned everyday study routine.
“I don’t understand why they shut down the internet here when something happens somewhere else,” said Zubair Lone, 28, from Baramulla, who is preparing for state competitive exams. This messes up my rhythm. I missed three paid online lectures in the last two days. It will be very difficult to restart if your schedule is messed up.
“I don’t understand why they shut down the internet here when something happens somewhere else,” said Zubair Lone, 28, from Baramulla, who is preparing for state competitive exams.
He added that access to stable, high-speed internet has become essential for exam preparation. “We depend on online test series, video lectures and study materials. When internet speed drops to 2G, even downloading a PDF file becomes difficult. This creates stress because every day counts in competitive exams,” he said.
Ubaid Ahmad, 26, a final-semester master’s student at the University of Kashmir, said he was looking forward to resuming classes after the winter break.
“Our careers are always at stake,” he said. Whenever something like this happens, the internet slows down, institutions close, and our education is affected. Students in other federal states continue their studies as normal, but here uncertainty is becoming routine. He added that repeated disruptions cause long-term anxiety. “You start planning your semester and suddenly everything stops. It feels like we’re constantly trying to catch up,” he said.
Road blockades and daily commuters
Besides internet restrictions and institutional closures, road blockades also affected daily traffic in parts of Srinagar.
Because security forces blocked roads with barbed wire and barricades as a precautionary measure, a journey that would normally take just 20 minutes from Habak Hazratbal to Parimpora in Srinagar turned into an hour-long ordeal, said Owais Ahmad, a resident of Hazratbal.
Shi’ite Muslim women hold portraits of Iranian leaders during a protest march in Budgam district of Kashmir, mourning the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid the Iran-Israel conflict. (Image credit: Owais Ameen)
“The main roads were closed, especially in areas where there were protests and stone-pelting. I had to take longer connecting roads that covered almost 25 kilometers instead of the usual 10 kilometers,” he added.
Ahmad said the unexpected detours caused delays and confusion. “At some intersections there were no clear directions and many commuters had to turn around. People were worried because no one knew how long the restrictions would last,” he said. He added that working professionals and small business owners are most affected by such disruptions. “When freedom of movement is restricted, business activity slows down and everyday life breaks down,” he said.
Economic losses during Ramadan
Small traders and day laborers say they are already feeling the economic impact, especially as Ramadan continues. Adil Ahmad, 36, of Srinagar, a fruit seller near Lal Chowk in Srinagar, said he had faced losses due to restricted public movement.
“I earn my bread in this shop. I haven’t sold fruit for two days and some of it is starting to spoil,” he said. People typically buy more fruit during Ramadan, but restrictions have led to a decline in visitor numbers. He added that small providers operate on thin margins. “We have no savings to absorb repeated losses. Even two or three days of closure affects our monthly income,” he said.
Junaid Ahmad Bhat, 24, who runs an online second-hand clothing store, said the internet slowdown had a direct impact on his sales.
“I used to earn around Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 a day. In these two days, I didn’t sell a single piece,” he said. In some areas the internet works at 2G speeds, in some areas there is no connectivity at all.
He said social media advertising is crucial to his business. “Customers place orders through the website and Instagram. If the connection is lost, messages will not load properly and payments will be delayed,” he said.
Freelancers and digital dependency
Freelance journalist Sajid Raina said internet disruptions also affect freelancers.
“As the Internet slows down, communicating with editors becomes difficult. Interviews are delayed, fact-checking becomes more difficult and deadlines are missed,” he said. Payments are also processed digitally, so revenue is directly linked to connectivity.
During the protest, people were also seen walking to the historic Lal Chowk in Srinagar. (Image credit: Owais Ameen)
He added that stable internet is crucial in a region where many youth rely on remote work. “Connectivity is our lifeline. When it slows down, it feels like we’re cut off from opportunities,” he said. The closure of Lal Chowk’s Ghanta Ghar during peaceful mourning gatherings triggered political reactions. MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said: “The closure of Ghanta Ghar is a disgrace. Do not insult us by treating our grief as a law and order issue. Do not interfere in moments that are deeply emotional for the people of Kashmir.”
His comments reflect concerns among some sections of the public that peaceful expression is often viewed from a security perspective. Meanwhile, Srinagar police said they have registered cases related to spreading misleading content online. In a statement, the police said that cases have been registered against Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Junaid Azim Mattu for making credible statements about spreading false, fabricated and misleading content on digital and social media platforms, allegedly aimed at inciting fear and disturbing public order.
According to the statement, the content in question, at first glance, reflects the spread of distorted narratives and unverified information that can cause public unrest and social disharmony. Police said FIR No. 02/2026 and FIR No. 03/2026 were registered under Sections 197(1)(d) and 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Cyber Police Station, Srinagar. The investigation is ongoing.
Srinagar Police reiterates its firm commitment to maintaining public peace and law and order. Citizens are advised to verify information through official and credible sources before sharing content online and refrain from spreading unverified material that may disrupt community harmony, the statement said.
Residents say precautionary restrictions are quickly implemented in Kashmir during major global events. While authorities claim such measures are necessary to maintain stability, many locals say repeated disruptions create long-term uncertainty.
In an increasingly digital economy, access to a stable internet plays a central role for education, employment, healthcare and communication. When services slow down or institutions close, it impacts daily operations. For students, business owners, freelancers and commuters alike, the impact is immediate missed classes, delayed work, reduced income and longer travel times. While authorities continue to monitor the situation, many residents are hoping for a quick return to normality and more stability in the coming days.