Protests continue in Kashmir over killing of Khamenei
Several parts of the Kashmir valley, for the second consecutive day, witnessed fresh protests amid strict restrictions imposed by the authorities to prevent any untoward incident. A large number of women and children also participated in protests against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israeli airstrike. During the day, as protesters took to the streets after defying the prohibitory orders, the police personnel fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
Lal Chowk, the main city centre in Srinagar, was completely sealed off late Sunday evening to prevent the assembly of members belonging to the Shia community.
The educational institutions remained closed to ensure the safety of the children. Several markets also witnessed a complete shutdown in response to a day-long bandh call given by the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
Similar protests were observed in Doda and Kishtwar districts of Jammu division, where several markets were shut down to register their peaceful protest against the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei. Reports of peaceful demonstrations were also received from the frontier districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
To ensure the safety of the residents in the valley, heavy deployment of police personnel was made on several other routes leading to the Lal Chowk area.
According to reports, sporadic protests broke out in Bemina, Gund Hassibhat, and Jehangir Chowk areas of the city here, and in Pulwama town in south Kashmir. The Magam area in Budgam also witnessed a large assembly of women and children.
Carrying placards and posters, protesters marched through the streets, raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.
Police have, meanwhile, issued an advisory urging all media organisations and news platforms to exercise the highest level of responsibility and professionalism in their 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 advisory read.
The police said responsible and accurate reporting is essential to maintain public trust and prevent misinformation.
Elsewhere, members of the Muslim community carried out a peaceful candlelight protest rally in Vijayawada, condemning the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel military strike.
The Andhra Pradesh State president of Muhammad Ali Muslim Welfare Association, Mushtaq Ali, organised the candle march on Sunday night and accused US President Donald Trump of a high-handed attitude.
“We strongly condemn the attack on Iran and the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei. You (Trump) call yourself the messenger of peace to this world, but you are raining bombs on children and civilians. What message do you want to give by destroying homes and killing innocent people?” Mushtaq Ali asked while interacting with reporters.
He alleged that targeting civilians in the name of war sends a dangerous message, and he said that conflicts should not harm common people. He further remarked that wars should be confined to military establishments and not civilian areas.
Mirza Ali Imam, a Muslim cleric who participated in the rally, said the gathering was organised to express solidarity with the oppressed and to protest against those responsible for the killing of the Iranian leader.
“The supporter of the oppressed and opponent of the oppressors has left this world. We have gathered here to show that we stand with the oppressed, not with the oppressors,” he said.
Altaf Raza, another Muslim cleric, also addressed the gathering, recalling historical figures and asserting that faith would endure despite challenges.
He maintained that no amount of technological or military strength could overpower divine will and said the community would continue to voice its concerns through peaceful means.
Participants carried candles and placards during the rally, calling for peace and justice.
Similarly, CPI(M) leader K Narayana participated in a protest in Guntur district on Monday, criticising what he termed American imperialist policies and branding certain US actions as “terror-like.”
“We oppose American imperialist policies and US interventions abroad, and urge collective global resistance to such terror-like actions,” said Narayana.
He asserted that US policies threaten global stability, alleging that nations resisting American interests are targeted, and referred to developments in Iraq, Venezuela and Iran as examples.
He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pursue an independent foreign policy, cautioning that closer ties with Israel at the expense of Iran could affect energy security and fuel prices.
India imports significant crude oil, and escalating tensions may trigger fuel price hikes and economic pressure, besides affecting Indian workers in Gulf nations, he added.
