Protests Erupt in Srinagar Over Death of Iran’s Supreme Leader in US–Israeli Airstrikes

Srinagar - Spontaneous protests broke out on Sunday in parts of Srinagar following confirmation of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US–Israeli airstrikes.

Anticipating possible repercussions, authorities have put in place extensive security arrangements across the Kashmir Valley, particularly in areas with a significant Shia Muslim population.

Protesters raising slogans took to the streets in several localities of Srinagar, prompting traffic authorities to divert vehicular movement to maintain law and order in crowded areas. Peaceful marches were reported from the Saida Kadal area and other parts of the city, where demonstrators raised anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.

A large gathering was also seen at Lal Chowk, where protesters carrying black flags mourned the killing of the Iranian leader.

The Shia community in Kashmir shares deep religious ties with Iran, with many senior religious leaders and scholars having received their theological education there. Reports of similar protests also emerged from Budgam and other parts of the Valley with sizeable Shia populations. Notably, many Sunni Muslims also joined the demonstrations, reflecting a sense of sectarian solidarity.

Security forces, including the police and the Central Reserve Police Force, have been deployed in strength in areas such as Zadibal in Srinagar and other sensitive locations where protests are likely.

Reactions from prominent religious leaders in Kashmir are still awaited, as senior clerics, including Imran Raza Ansari, have yet to issue statements on the developments in Iran.

The strong historical and cultural links between Kashmir and Iran date back centuries. Persian Sufi saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, who played a crucial role in the spread of Islam in Kashmir, left a lasting imprint on the region’s religious and cultural life. His legacy continues through the Khanqah-e-Moula in Srinagar and his enduring influence on Kashmiri society.

With inputs from IANS