Massive protests across J&K, Ladakh over killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader
Demonstrators raise slogans against the United States and Israel over their actions against Iran
Thousands of protesters, most of them from the Shia community, took to the streets across parts of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Sunday to condemn the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in a US-Israel strike.
Carrying banners and portraits of Khamenei, demonstrators raised slogans against the United States and Israel over their actions against Iran. Protests were reported from several areas of Kashmir, including Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama.
In Srinagar, a large number of people gathered at Lal Chowk carrying pictures of the slain Iranian leader. At some locations, protesters carried black flags and recited mourning verses. Personnel of the Jammu & Kashmir Police accompanied the processions to ensure that the demonstrations remained peaceful.
Kargil, a Shia-majority district of Ladakh, also witnessed massive protest demonstrations. Residents were seen mourning and raising slogans in the town. Authorities confirmed that the protests remained peaceful, with no untoward incidents reported.
As a precautionary measure, internet speeds were reduced in parts of Kashmir to prevent the circulation of fake news and misinformation.
In Srinagar, several protesters assembled outside the office of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to express their anger over the killing.
Similar demonstrations were held in Chanderkote in Ramban district and the Bhatindi area of Jammu, among other places in the Union Territory. In some areas, members of the Shia community burnt effigies of the United States and Israel as a mark of protest.
The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), an umbrella body of Islamic religious organisations in J&K, issued a joint statement expressing profound grief and condemning what it described as a “brutal assassination” and a blatant act of aggression that has shaken the Muslim world.
The MMU appealed to the people of J&K to observe a voluntary strike on Monday to register their protest peacefully. It urged citizens to hold demonstrations in their localities while ensuring that peace and public order are maintained.
In view of the prevailing situation, the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) postponed the OMR-based written examination for the post of Laboratory Attendant in the Home Department, which was scheduled for March 1. The examination has been deferred until further notice.
Schools, colleges to remain closed for 2 days in Kashmir
Omar appeals for peace
He urged the police and civil administration to exercise restraint and avoid the use of force or excessive restrictions. Abdullah added that the J&K Government is in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of residents of J&K in Iran.
