Restrictions imposed in Kashmir after protests over killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei

Security forces on Monday (March 2, 2026) barricaded Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, the protest site where hundreds of local Muslims held anti-U.S. and anti-Israel demonstrations on Sunday over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, and fired teargas shells to drive away protesters in parts of the city.

Security was tightened hours after Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held a review meeting with top security officials in Jammu on Sunday evening. Mr. Sinha appealed to all the communities to “uphold peace” and praised the “unwavering, coordinated resolve of J&K Police, security forces and civil administration in safeguarding law and order”.

To prevent protest rallies, security forces put tin sheets and laid concertina wires on all roads leading to Ghanta Ghar in Srinagar’s commercial hub Lal Chowk. The forces parked vehicles at many places to ensure protesters do not converge. Security restrictions were imposed in parts of the Kashmir valley, especially in Budgam, Bandipora, Pulwama, and Baramulla districts.

In spite of restrictions, protesters hit the streets in many areas. Security forces lobbed teargas shells in Srinagar’s Jehangeer Chowk, Batamaloo, Bemina and Shaltengh areas, according to locals. The J&K Police has not issued any statement on security restrictions or on the use of force against the protesters.

All educational institutes remained shut in Kashmir after the government declared a two-day holiday in the wake of growing protests. All varsities in Kashmir have cancelled the examinations scheduled for this week. Locals alleged that mobile internet was slow in many areas.

Most markets and private offices remained closed in Kashmir following the shutdown call issued by the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama, an amalgam of Islamic bodies headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Most Shia organisations backed the shutdown call.

“People should protest peacefully and hold religious congregations for the departed soul this week in their own localities. There should be no attempt to take law into our own hands,” said influential Shia cleric Masroor Ansari, in his appeal.

Several parties, including the ruling National Conference (NC), have condemned the security restrictions in Kashmir. “Sunday’s protest marches were entirely peaceful. The authorities have arbitrarily imposed restrictions across Kashmir. These are deliberate attempts to silence our just voices,” Mr. Ansari said.

NC leader and Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah, also a Shia cleric, described the closure of Ghanta Ghar as “a disgrace”. “It is available for dance and music parties, which is the symbolic identity you want to attach to it. But when people come out to mourn, to stand in solidarity with the innocent lives being torn apart, it threatens you in spite of the fact that the demonstrations were entirely peaceful,” he said.

Another NC leader and legislator Tanvir Sadiq said he was “deeply disappointed at the decision to impose restrictions across Kashmir”. “Not a single law and order incident was reported (on Sunday). Grief is not unrest. Imposing restrictions despite complete calm sends a wrong message and feels unwarranted and unfair. I urge the Union Home Minister of India and the L-G to reconsider this decision and allow people to mourn in peace and dignity,” Mr. Sadiq said.

Published - March 02, 2026 10:24 am IST

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