Security forces used tear smoke and batons to disperse demonstrators in Srinagar who took to the streets for the second consecutive day today over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Restrictions on public movement had been tightened across Kashmir following large-scale protests a day earlier.
A valley-wide shutdown was observed across Kashmir, while Doda and Kishtwar districts of Jammu also reported a near-total bandh. The strike call was issued by Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, to mourn Khamenei’s death in what Iran described as a joint US–Israel strike. Some areas of Ladakh too witnessed a shutdown.
Authorities erected barricades at key junctions in Srinagar, including the city centre, to prevent marches towards Lal Chowk. Despite restrictions, groups carrying placards and raising slogans against the United States and Israel attempted to move towards the commercial hub. The historic Clock Tower at Lal Chowk remained sealed off after prayers were offered there during earlier demonstrations.
Mobile internet speeds were curtailed across the Valley as a precautionary measure. The administration also ordered the closure of all educational institutions, including private schools, for two days citing student safety and law-and-order concerns.
In Magam town, women and children gathered in large numbers in the main market and staged a procession. Heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel, including the Central Reserve Police Force, was seen across Srinagar to prevent assemblies.
Officials said protests erupted in several localities, including Bemina, Gund Hassibhat and Jehangir Chowk in Srinagar, besides Pulwama town in south Kashmir. Many of these areas have sizeable Shia populations. Demonstrators marched through the streets chanting slogans and, at some places, beating their chests in mourning.
Khamenei was killed in air strikes carried out by the US and Israel early Saturday. With an estimated Shia population of around 15 lakh, Kashmir witnessed significant protests in Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama, officials said.
Political reactions also followed. Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party, backed the shutdown call and expressed solidarity, describing the day as one of mourning. Meanwhile, National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi criticised the authorities for sealing off the Clock Tower area