Intense clashes erupted in Srinagar as police stopped protesters from marching toward Lal Chowk following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrators hurled stones at security forces, who responded with tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd.
While large-scale protests were not allowed, small groups emerged across the city, clashing with police at four different locations, including Shalteng on the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway, where protesters tried to block traffic and damage private vehicles. Slogans such as “Allah o Akbar, Khamenei rehbar” echoed through the streets.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
On Sunday, thousands had gathered peacefully at Lal Chowk, but today the area was sealed off with metal fences and concertina wires at all entry points. After several hours, police cleared the protesters and restored traffic flow.
This marked the first major stone-throwing incident in Srinagar in several years. Authorities imposed strict measures, including sealing Lal Chowk, restricting mobile internet, and closing schools and colleges across Kashmir for two days.
Large crowds had also gathered in front of the UN Military Observers Group (UNMOGIP) headquarters, shouting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Khamenei’s death, which shook the Shiite Muslim community worldwide, triggered grief and anger in the Valley and Ladakh, reflecting the deep reverence for the Iranian leader.
