Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar, March 01: Jammu & Kashmir witnessed a day of high-level security deliberations, political appeals for restraint, religious condemnation, and widespread protests following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US-Israel strike.
Authorities have since imposed precautionary restrictions across Kashmir to maintain law and order.
Lieutenant Governor Reviews Security Situation
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior civil and police officials, along with all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs).
Emphasizing collective responsibility, the Lieutenant Governor urged all communities to preserve peace.
“Peace is our collective responsibility. I urge all communities to remain calm and united in this hour. I salute the unwavering, synchronized resolve of our Police, security forces and civil administration in upholding law and order,” he said.
He further stated that the administration is closely monitoring developments in West Asia. Senior UT officials are coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and welfare of Jammu & Kashmir residents and students currently in Iran.
Chief Minister Calls for Restraint and Compassion
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation in Iran, particularly the killing of Ali Khamenei.
He confirmed that the Jammu & Kashmir Government is in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to safeguard residents and students from the Union Territory presently in Iran.
“I am deeply concerned about the unfortunate developments in Iran, including the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that those mourning must be allowed to grieve peacefully, urging the police and civil administration to exercise maximum restraint and avoid unnecessary force or restrictive measures.
MMU Condemns Killing, Calls for Peaceful Strike
The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), the largest conglomerate of Islamic religious organisations in Jammu & Kashmir, issued a joint statement expressing profound grief and condemnation over what it described as the “brutal assassination” of Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei.
The MMU termed the killing a blatant act of aggression by the United States and Israel, stating that it had shaken the conscience of the Muslim world.
“In this hour of immense grief, the people of Jammu & Kashmir stand in heartfelt solidarity with the leadership and people of Iran,” the statement read.
Among the signatories were:
- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
- Nasir-ul-Islam
- Muhammad Rahmatullah Qasmi
- Aga Syed Hasan Al-Mousavi Al-Safvi
- Adil Latif Al-Kandi
- Aga Syed Muhammad Hadi
- Masroor Abbas Ansari
The MMU also condemned what it described as continuing aggression against Iran and the reported killing of innocent schoolgirls in Minab, calling the developments deeply disturbing and destabilizing for regional and global peace.
In view of public outrage, the MMU appealed for a voluntary strike and peaceful protests in localities, stressing that demonstrations must not disturb public order.
Protests Erupt Across Kashmir
Protests broke out in multiple parts of Kashmir on Sunday as news of Khamenei’s killing spread.
Thousands gathered at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Mourners recited marsiya — poetic laments traditionally associated with Shia mourning rituals.
Demonstrations were also reported in Srinagar’s Old City, which has a significant Shia population. Ayatollah Khamenei was regarded as a spiritual leader by Shia communities worldwide.
These protests mark the first major public mobilization in the Valley since the abrogation of Jammu & Kashmir’s special status in 2019. Notably, police initially maintained distance in an effort to prevent clashes.
Restrictions Imposed Across Kashmir
Late Monday evening, authorities imposed restrictions across all districts of Kashmir as a precautionary measure following protests in several areas.
Senior officials said the steps were necessary to maintain law and order and prevent escalation. The restrictions will remain in place pending continuous ground assessments.
The situation remains under close watch as political leaders, religious bodies, and the administration simultaneously appeal for calm amid heightened emotions across the Valley.
