Kashmir Under Restrictions Over Protests Against Killing Of Iran Leader Khamenei In US-Israel Strike
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Authorities imposed restrictions across all districts of Kashmir on Monday in an effort to contain protests that erupted in several parts of the region following the reported killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike.
Senior officials from the security establishment stated that the restrictions are purely precautionary and aimed at maintaining public order while preventing any escalation of demonstrations.
“Restrictions will be enforced on Monday as a precautionary measure. The situation will be closely monitored,” a top official said.
As part of the measures, mobile internet services have been suspended, and all schools and colleges across the Valley will remain closed for two days (March 2 and 3). All examinations scheduled during this period have also been postponed. Several religious and social organisations have called for a shutdown, a move that has received support from Mehbooba Mufti.
Amid the tense atmosphere, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged people to remain calm. He said the government is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of residents from the region, particularly students currently in Iran.
Authorities also sealed off the historic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk, the focal point of political demonstrations in Srinagar, by covering it with tin sheets. On Sunday, large crowds had gathered at the site after news of Khamenei’s killing was confirmed. Protesters carried his portraits and placards expressing solidarity with Iran and Palestine, while raising slogans against the United States and Israel. The protesters chanted in Persian and Urdu: “Marg bar Amrika, Marg bar Israel (Death to the United States, Death to Israel); Israel ka jo Yaar Hai, Gaddar Hai, Gaddar Hai (The friends of Israel are traitors).”
“He (Khamenei) is more dear to me than my parents. It’s an irreplaceable loss. They have martyred him because he was the biggest pillar of Islam,” said a woman protester at Lal Chowk.
“There are no words to express our grief. But they can’t stop the idea of Khamenei after his martyrdom,” said another protester.
Demonstrations were not limited to Srinagar. Protest marches were reported in central Kashmir’s Budgam, in multiple towns in south and north Kashmir, and in Kargil. Thousands of people, including both Sunni and Shia Muslims, took to the streets across the Valley after sehri, voicing anger over the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei.
At the United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) office in Sonwar, Srinagar, protesters attempted to submit a memorandum. However, no UN officials came forward as police and CRPF personnel barricaded the main gate. Demonstrators staged a sit-in for several hours, blocking the road while mourning and chanting slogans.
Security deployment remained heavy across protest sites, with senior officers, including Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, personally overseeing arrangements. Despite the widespread protests, officials confirmed that no incidents of violence were reported and the demonstrations remained largely peaceful.