Lal Chowk sealed after massive protests over Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killing

SRINAGAR: Large-scale protests broke out across the Kashmir Valley and the Union Territory of Ladakh over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an attack carried out by the United States and Israel. In the Kashmir Valley, Srinagar’s Lal Chowk emerged as the epicentre of the protests, with thousands assembling to mourn the killing. Protesters raised anti-US and anti-Israel slogans as police and security forces kept a close watch on the situation. As news of Khamenei’s death spread on Sunday morning, a large number of people from Srinagar’s old city marched towards Lal Chowk, chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans and turning the iconic Clock Tower into the centre of the protests.

Many carried black and red flags symbolising grief and martyrdom, while some beat their chests in mourning. Protesters also carried portraits of Khamenei and Iran’s founding leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and placed banners at the Clock Tower. Several political leaders, including People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislators Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi and Waheed Parra, joined the protesters at Lal Chowk.

It was the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, that such a large-scale protest erupted in the Valley. Protests were also reported from central Kashmir’s Budgam district, which has a sizable Shia population, as well as parts of south and north Kashmir. In the Union Territory of Ladakh, large protests were witnessed in Kargil district, a Shia-majority region. Thousands assembled in the main Kargil town market. Kashmir’s chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, led the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), a conglomerate of religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, in issuing a joint statement expressing grief and condemning the killing, describing it as a blatant act of aggression by the US and Israel. The MMU appealed to people to observe a voluntary strike the next day to register their protest peacefully. Mirwaiz said, “The people of J&K collectively condemn this brutality and the ongoing aggression against Iran, as well as the massacre of innocent girl students in Minab.”

He added, “In this hour of immense sorrow, our hearts beat with the resilient people of Iran.” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the unfolding developments in Iran. He appealed to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest. He said the J&K government 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. In view of widespread protests across the Valley, the government decided to shut educational institutions for two days as a precautionary measure. Education Minister Sakina Itoo said that to ensure the safety of students, the government had decided to close schools and higher educational institutions temporarily. In a related development, the Jammu and Kashmir Police issued an advisory to media organisations and news platforms “to exercise the highest level of responsibility and professionalism in reporting.” “Please refrain from publishing unverified information, speculation, or rumours; ensure that all reports are confirmed through credible and authoritative sources before dissemination; and avoid sensational headlines that may create unnecessary panic,” the police said, adding that “responsible and accurate reporting is essential to maintain public trust and prevent misinformation.” Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said, “This is a day of mourning to remind the world that injustice anywhere wounds the entire Muslim Ummah and all who stand for truth.

United in grief and united in resistance, we stand firm with the people of Iran.” J&K Peoples Conference president and legislator Sajad Lone described the developments as deeply distressing and tragic, terming the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader an act that has intensified uncertainty and sorrow across the region. Former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu said Kashmir is united in mourning and grief. “The administration must respect the sentiments of the people, as our hearts bleed over the martyrdom of Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei and his family,” Mattu said, adding that people must be allowed to mourn and protest without curbs.