Shia leader Imran Reza Ansari urges restraint amid Valley protests

Calling it a “testing time,” Ansari said the community was deeply anguished. “Our hearts are shattered. We have lost our Rehbar, our guide, our father — Shaheed Ayatullah al-Uzma Sayyid Ali Hussaini Khamenei. He was not just a leader; he was our strength, our voice, our direction,” he said in a post on X.

Appealing especially to the youth, he said: “I once again make a folded hands request to the people of Kashmir — please do not take the law into your own hands. I understand the pain. I understand the anger.”

Referring to the restrictions imposed in Srinagar, Ansari said there were incidents across Kashmir where people attempted to march towards the city but were stopped following a notification stating that marches to Lal Chowk would not be permitted.

He urged people to confine mourning gatherings to their respective districts. “People from each district can mourn in their own areas, and I will ensure that no one stops that. I urge you to keep your protests, majlises and matam confined locally. Even if it is late, mourn in your respective areas. Let our grief remain dignified,” he said.

Ansari also noted that the discipline maintained by protesters on Sunday had been appreciated and appealed for the same restraint to continue. “Our discipline was praised. Let it remain the same today,” he added.