People protest against the alleged killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a reported U.S.-Israel strike, in Srinagar, Sunday, Mar. 1, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Angry protests on Sunday (March 1, 2026) broke out in parts of the Kashmir valley, including capital Srinagar, over the killing of Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Israel-U.S. attacks. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed to people to “uphold peace”.
Hundreds of Shia Muslims, including women, poured onto the streets in parts of Srinagar. Beating chest and mourning, protesters assembled at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk. Many were carrying red and black flags. The protesters raised anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans. “The death of a martyr imparts life to the nation,” said a protester.
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A shutdown was observed in several parts of the Valley. Shia mourners also took to streets in other districts, including Budgam and Bandipora. The mourners were carrying the pictures of slain Shia leader Khamenei.
Top Shia clerics in Kashmir, including Aga Syed Ruhullah, Imran Ansari, Masroor Abbas and Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, have expressed sorrow over the killing.
Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said he was “deeply saddened and outraged at the brutal killing of Iran’s supreme leader, which 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,” said the Mirwaiz.
He said this was a moment for the Ummah “to rise above divisions and stand united and register our protest and solidarity against this killing and the continued aggression in the region”.
Officials said senior police officers were monitoring the situation in Kashmir. Meanwhile, security has been put on alert in the Kashmir valley in the wake of growing street protests.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iran’s supreme leader and appealed to all communities “to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest”.
“We must also ensure that those who are mourning in J&K are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures,” Mr. Abdullah said.
He said the government of J&K was in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, to ensure the safety and well-being of J&K residents, including students, currently in Iran. Hundreds of students from Kashmir are stranded in Iran following the attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel.
Former J&K chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said the killing of Iran’s supreme leader “marks a deeply tragic and shameful point in history”.
“Israel and the U.S. are boasting about the killing. What’s more disgraceful and shocking is the explicit and implicit support given by Muslim countries who chose convenience and expedience over conscience,” Mr. Mufti said.
She said history will stand testaments to who fought for justice and who helped the oppressors. “Prayers with the people of Iran. May Allah grant them strength & victory over forces of tyranny and injustice,” she said.
Published – March 01, 2026 10:58 am IST
