Tens of thousands of people across Kashmir came out on the streets early Sunday morning after Iranian state media confirmed the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel strike.
The protests began shortly after Sehri and remained largely peaceful through the day, although they led to traffic diversions and shutdowns in several areas.
Massive Gatherings Across the Valley
Large demonstrations were reported from Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama, Baramulla, Bandipora and several towns in north and south Kashmir, along with Kargil in Ladakh. Protesters marched through the streets carrying black flags and portraits of Khamenei, chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.
In Srinagar, thousands gathered at Lal Chowk’s Ghanta Ghar. The crowd continued to grow as people arrived from different parts of the Valley. Many mourners were seen crying and beating their chests in grief, describing Khamenei as their spiritual leader. Traffic diversions were put in place in the city centre due to the large turnout.
Shia-majority areas such as Budgam and Kargil saw especially strong participation. Protests were also held in Magam along Gulmarg Road and in Bandipora district, including Sarai Dangarpora and Shadipora. Organisers said the marches were peaceful and aimed at expressing solidarity with Iran and calling for restraint in the Middle East.
Iran’s state television and Islamic Republic News Agency confirmed Khamenei’s death early Sunday, hours after US President Donald Trump said the 86-year-old leader had been killed. Khamenei had served as Iran’s supreme leader since 1989.
Security Tightened Across Sensitive Areas
Police and paramilitary forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force, were deployed in strength in sensitive areas, particularly Srinagar’s Zadibal locality and other Shia-dominated pockets. Officials said security arrangements were increased to prevent any untoward incident.
Authorities confirmed that the protests remained peaceful, with participants dispersing after marches in several areas. However, security forces stayed on alert as gatherings continued in parts of Srinagar into Sunday evening.
The large-scale demonstrations also led to the cancellation of the popular Sunday Market in Srinagar, which usually sees heavy crowds during the month of Ramadan.
Political Leaders Appeal for Calm
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for calm and urged people to maintain peace. His office said the government was coordinating with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety of residents from Jammu and Kashmir who are currently in Iran.
Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the strike and expressed solidarity with Iran.
Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who was reportedly placed under house arrest, described the killing as brutality and warned of wider regional escalation. In a statement, he said people of Jammu and Kashmir stood in solidarity with Iran and prayed for justice for those responsible.
The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama urged people to remain united and peaceful while expressing their protest and solidarity.
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee postponed all political activities scheduled for Sunday. Its president, Tariq Hameed Karra, led party members in expressing grief and condemning the air strikes.
Indian Students Seek Evacuation
Meanwhile, Indian students in Iran appealed to the Government of India for urgent evacuation as air strikes reportedly continued. Education consultants said more than 2,000 Indian students are studying MBBS in Iran, many of them from Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, president of the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the All India Medical Students Association, urged the External Affairs Ministry to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of Indian citizens.
Exams Postponed Amid Protests
The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board postponed its OMR-based written examination for the post of Laboratory Attendant in the Home Department, which was scheduled for March 1 across the Union Territory. The Board said a new date would be announced later on its official website.
While no official reason was given, sources said the decision was taken in view of the protests that erupted following the killing of Khamenei.
