Iran-Israel conflict: Massive protest in Srinagar over Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s killing; police use tear gas shells to disperse crowd

SRINAGAR: Police on Monday used tear gas shells to disperse people protesting against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid restrictions imposed in all districts as a precautionary measure.Mobile internet services were slowed across Kashmir. Officials said the restrictions were imposed as a precaution to maintain law and order. Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Saturday during a joint US-Israel operation targeting Iran.

The valley, home to an estimated 15 lakh Shias, saw large demonstrations in areas including Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama, on Sunday.The city centre of Lal Chowk emerged as the epicentre of the protests, with thousands assembling to mourn the killing.

By Sunday evening, authorities sealed Lal Chowk, erecting barricades and putting up tin sheets to block access. Police laid concertina wires along various routes leading to the square, effectively restricting movement in and around the area