Public Disorder Unacceptable, Says J&K Police Amid Khamenei Protests

Jammu and Kashmir Police issued a stern warning on March 3, 2026, declaring that any disruption of public order amid ongoing protests over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is unacceptable and will face strict legal action. The statement followed violent clashes in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley, where demonstrators expressing grief and outrage over the US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Khamenei resorted to stone-throwing, leading to injuries on both sides.

The protests erupted on March 1, 2026, shortly after confirmation of Khamenei's death in joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026, as part of the escalating Middle East conflict. Mourners, including members of the Shia community and others, took to the streets in Srinagar's Lal Chowk, Budgam, Bandipora, and additional areas, raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Authorities imposed precautionary restrictions, including barricades around key sites like Lal Chowk, throttled mobile internet speeds, and temporarily shut educational institutions to curb potential escalation. Police used tear gas shells, batons, and other measures to disperse crowds attempting to march toward city centers, resulting in at least 12 injuries reported on March 2, including five police personnel.

In their official statement, J&K Police emphasized respect for peaceful mourning while condemning violence, rioting, and stone-pelting. "While we understand the emotional response to recent events, incidents of rioting, stone-throwing, clashes, and disruption of public order at some places are not acceptable," a police spokesperson said. They appealed to all sections of society to exercise restraint, refrain from provocation, and avoid unlawful activities, warning of firm action against instigators and miscreants. The force also filed an FIR against certain media outlets and individuals for allegedly circulating misleading information intended to incite unrest.

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The demonstrations reflect broader regional sympathy for Iran in parts of India, particularly in Muslim-majority areas of Jammu and Kashmir, where Khamenei was viewed by some as a significant religious and political figure. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the Iran situation and urged protesters to grieve peacefully without actions that could heighten tensions or lead to unrest. Protests extended to shutdowns in places like Poonch and sporadic rallies in Jammu, with some slogans invoking support for groups like Hezbollah.

As the Middle East crisis continues to reverberate globally, security remains heightened in the Valley to maintain law and order. Authorities have stressed that while peaceful expression of grief is permitted, any shift toward violence or public disruption will not be tolerated. The situation is being closely monitored amid calls for calm from local leaders and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which had earlier cautioned states about potential sporadic protests linked to the conflict.

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