Protests erupt in Kashmir, Kargil over the killing of Ayotollah Khamenei in US-Israel strikes

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets across Kashmir and Kargil (Ladakh) on Sunday morning in protest against the killing of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israel military strikes.

Widespread protests broke out spontaneously across parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Union Territories after Iran confirmed the death of its supreme leader.

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Protesters carrying black flags and portraits of the Ayatollah took to the streets in various parts of Srinagar. They raised slogans against the US and Israel. A huge gathering of mourners was witnessed around the iconic clock tower in Lal Chowk.

A large number of protesters gathered outside the UN Military Observers Group, where the police had a tough time preventing them from entering the office premises.

Security forces and police were deployed in strength to prevent any untoward incident, and the protests remained peaceful. Protests were also seen in Budgam and other districts of the valley.

Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) has called for a complete strike in Kashmir on Monday.

Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, along with Inspector General of Police (IGP) (Kashmir) Vidhi Kumar Birdi, kept an eye on the situation.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest.

The Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the unfolding developments in Iran, including reports of the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“The Government of Jammu & Kashmir is in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to ensure the safety and well-being of J&K residents, including students, currently in Iran,” he said.

“We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures,” Omar added.

National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah expressed “profound anguish” over the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint strikes by the US and Israel.

Condemning the killing of Khamenei, ruling National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah wrote on X, “Trump told the world he would end wars, not start them. Today he has begun what his own officials describe as ‘not a small strike’ but weeks-long sustained operations. The hypocrisy is staggering”.

“America does not get to appoint itself judge, jury, and executioner of sovereign nations. The US is the single greatest threat to stability in the Middle East, and the world must say so plainly,” he added.

Ladakh MP Mohammad Haneefa took to social media, saying, “I strongly condemn this barbaric act. Such an attack is not only against a revered leader, but against justice, dignity, and the conscience of humanity itself.”

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said, “Today marks a deeply tragic & shameful point in history with Israel & USA boasting about the killing of Iran’s beloved leader Ayatollah Ali Khanenei. What’s more disgraceful & shocking is the explicit & implicit support given by Muslim countries who chose convenience & expedience over conscience. History will stand testaments to who fought for justice & who helped the oppressors”.

Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, wrote on X, “Brutal killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel has shaken the Muslim world. The people of J&K collectively condemn this brutality and the ongoing aggression against Iran, as well as the massacre of innocent girl students in Minab.”