Widespread protests erupted in several parts of Kashmir on Sunday against the killing of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, PTI news agency reported, citing officials.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in various locations in areas with large Shia populations, officials said. They said the protesters were peacefully marching through the streets and shouting anti-American and anti-Israel slogans.
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Videos shared by news agencies and Press TV showed people protesting in Srinagar’s old city, including Nowhatta and Saida Kadal. Iconic clock tower in Lalchowk – the center of Srinagar city – saw a huge gathering of mourners who had come from all over Kashmir to mourn the killing.
Elsewhere, protests were reported in Budgam in central Kashmir and in Anantnag and Kulgam in south Kashmir, where men, women and children, mostly fasting for Ramadan, were seen mourning the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel.(Waseem Andrabi/HT)
Elsewhere, protests were reported in Budgam in central Kashmir and in Anantnag and Kulgam in south Kashmir, where men, women and children, mostly fasting for Ramadan, were seen grieving. Ayatollah Ali Khameneikilling the US and Israel.
Khamenei, 86, was killed in a strike by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday.
Omar appeals for peace
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah on Sunday appealed for calm amid widespread protests.
Omar Abdullah said his government is in close coordination with the Union Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of JK residents, including students, currently in Iran.
“The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the ongoing developments in Iran, including reports of the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader,
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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He appealed to all communities to maintain calm, maintain peace and avoid any action that could lead to tension or unrest,” the chief minister’s office said in a post on X.
Khamenei was killed in a strike by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday morning.
Deep anguish over “assassination”: NC
“We must also ensure that those grieving in Jammu and Kashmir can grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise maximum restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures,” Omar said in a post on X.
People were seen protesting in the old city of Srinagar, including Nowhatta and Saida Kadal areas. The iconic clock tower in Lalchowk – the center of Srinagar city – saw a huge gathering of mourners who came from all over Kashmir to mourn the killing.(Waseem Andrab/HT)
Omar’s father and National Conference Party Chairman Farooq Abdullah, along with Chief Spokesman Tanvir Sadiq and senior leader Agha Syed Mehmood Al-Moosavi, also expressed deep anguish over the “assassination” of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran.
“Farooq Abdullah strongly condemned the act, describing it as a tragic and destabilizing development with serious implications for peace and stability in the region,” the party said in a post on X.
The former chief minister said such incidents add to insecurity and grief and stressed the urgent need for wisdom, restraint and adherence to the principles of justice and international law.
“Farooq Abdullah appealed for calm and urged the administration to handle the situation sensitively and judiciously and ensure that those who wish to mourn can do so respectfully, without fear or undue restriction and while maintaining public order,” the party said.
“Inhumane, barbaric and cowardly act”
Kashmir, although a Sunni-majority region, has a significant Shia population, mostly in the central districts of Srinagar and Badgam.
Former Chief Minister a PDP President Mehbooba Mufti called the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a deeply tragic and shameful point in the history of Israel and the United States.
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“What is more shameful and shocking is the explicit and implicit support from Muslim countries that have prioritized convenience and expediency over conscience. History will bear witness to who fought for justice and who helped the oppressors. Prayers with the people of Iran.” May Allah give them strength and victory over the forces of tyranny and injustice,” Mufti said in a post on X.
The Jammu and Kashmir Congress Committee has postponed all political activities scheduled for Sunday to “honour” Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US-Israeli airstrike.
A party spokesman said the party strongly condemned the brutal airstrikes on Iran’s supreme leader, calling them an inhumane, barbaric and cowardly act by the US and Israel.
We must also ensure that those grieving in Jammu and Kashmir can grieve in peace.
The party’s state president, Tariq Hameed Karra, led party rank-and-file to express “deep grief and sorrow at this great loss”.
