Thousands of Shia Muslims on Sunday took to the streets in several parts of Kashmir against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Syed Ali Khamenei in US–Israel strikes.
While the protesters remained peaceful, with police keeping a tight watch on the situation, the authorities, as a precautionary measure, ordered the closure of educational institutions for two days. The authorities also curtailed mobile internet service in some parts of Srinagar.
In Srinagar, thousands of demonstrators, many carrying portraits of Ayatollah Khamenei, converged at the iconic Lal Chowk, to protest the killing. The protestors chanted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.
A heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces was put in place, with senior officials — including Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat — personally visiting and monitoring the situation at the protest locations.
Several political figures, including PDP’s Waheed Para and Zuhaib Yousuf Mir, were spotted among the protesters at Lal Chowk.
Protesters were shouting slogans like “America ka jo yaar hai, gaddar hai, Israel ka jo yaar hai gaddar hai (Those who are friends with US and Israel are traitors).
This is first time since 2019 – when J&K’s special status was abrogated – that protests of such a magnitude were allowed in Srinagar.
A large crowd also gathered outside the United Nations Military Observers Group (UNMOGIP) headquarters in Sonwar, Srinagar, to protest the killing of Khamenei in US–Israel strikes.
Protests were held in several parts of Srinagar, central Kashmir’s Budgam and north Kashmir’s Baramulla, where men and women from the Shia community took out protests. The protests have been peaceful.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has appealed for calm amid widespread protests in the Valley.
“I’m deeply concerned about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest. We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures,” Omar said on X.
The chief minister said the Government of Jammu & Kashmir is in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to ensure the safety and well-being of J&K residents, including students, currently in Iran.
Former Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti condemned the killing.
“Today marks a deeply tragic & shameful point in history with Israel & USA boasting about the killing of Iran’s beloved leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. What’s more disgraceful & shocking is the explicit & implicit support given by Muslim countries who chose convenience & expedience over conscience,” she said on X.
“History will stand as a testament to who fought for justice & who helped the oppressors. Prayers with the people of Iran. May Allah grant them strength & victory over forces of tyranny & injustice.”
Hurriyat chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) – an amalgam of prominent religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir – has called for a complete strike tomorrow.
“Deeply saddened and outraged at the brutal killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, by the US and Israel that has shaken the Muslim world. The people of JK collectively condemn this brutality and the ongoing aggression against Iran, as well as the massacre of innocent girl students in Minab. In this hour of immense sorrow, our hearts beat with the resilient people of Iran. May Allah grant strength to the oppressed, elevate the martyrs, and bring swift justice to those responsible for this,” Mirwaiz said on X.
“This is a moment for the Ummah to rise above divisions and stand united and register our protest and solidarity against this killing and the continued aggression in the region. Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) has called for a complete strike tomorrow. We urge the people to observe it with unity, dignity, and complete peacefulness,” he added.
