Srinagar, March 2 — Authorities barred mourning demonstrations across Kashmir on Monday following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes, triggering clashes in parts of the Valley.
Iranian state media confirmed on Sunday that Khamenei and several top security officials were killed in the strikes.
According to published reports, Jammu and Kashmir Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Srinagar during protests over Khamenei’s killing. Clashes were reported from parts of Srinagar city, including Chattabal and Saidakadal, as well as Budgam district, which has a sizeable Shia population. Similar incidents were reported from Anantnag and Pulwama districts.
Local sources said tensions flared after authorities stopped mourners from taking out demonstrations in several areas.
Srinagar’s city centre, Lal Chowk, was sealed off and declared out of bounds for both pedestrians and vehicular movement. Similar restrictions were reported from other parts of the Valley. However, sparse private transport was seen operating in most areas, largely avoiding the restricted zones.
On Sunday, after mass mourning demonstrations were reported across Kashmir, authorities imposed restrictions in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation.
Separately, Srinagar MP Raullah Mehdi shared a video on social media alleging use of force by police against women protesters. The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified.
The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), an amalgam of Islamic religious organisations in Jammu and Kashmir led by cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, strongly condemned Khamenei’s killing and called for a shutdown in Kashmir on Monday.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Police issued an advisory urging media houses, journalists, digital platforms and the general public to exercise responsibility while reporting and sharing information amid the prevailing situation.
Educational institutions across Kashmir remained closed on Monday in view of the unrest.