Massive Protests Across Kashmir Over Khamenei’s Killing, CM Omar Abdullah Appeals For Calm

Srinagar: Massive protests have erupted across Kashmir, including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and other Shia-populated areas, against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Israeli and US strikes.

Hundreds of protesters gathered at Ghanta Ghar in Lalchowk, Srinagar, on Sunday and mourned the killing of Khamenei. Protests also erupted in Pulwama, Budgam and other districts of the valley. The mourners carried portraits of Khamenei and shouted slogans against the US and Israel.

People protest against the alleged killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a reported US-Israel strike, in Srinagar, Sunday, Mar. 1, 2026. (PTI)

Iran’s state TV confirmed Khamenei's death early Sunday morning, hours after US President Donald Trump said the 86-year-old leader had been killed. Iranian state television and the state-run IRNA news agency reported Khamenei's death, without referring to a massive US and Israeli attack on his residence.

Security personnel stand guard during a protest against the alleged killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes, at Ghanta Ghar, in Srinagar, Sunday, Mar. 1, 2026. (PTI)

A presenter on state television announced Khamenei’s death at 5:00 am (7 am IST) as the channel broadcast archive images with a black banner as a sign of mourning. Khamenei had been Iran's supreme leader since 1989.

In view of the protests, security has been put on high alert with police and paramilitary personnel deployed in the areas to prevent any untoward incident during the protests, officials said.

People offer prayers at Ghanta Ghar during a protest against the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a reported US-Israel strike, in Srinagar, Sunday, Mar. 1, 2026. (PTI)

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged the people to maintain peace and refrain from actions that could lead to unrest.

Expressing deep concerns about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Khamenei, Omar wrote on X, “I appeal 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 Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures.”

Over the students and other people from Kashmir stuck in Iran, he said his government was in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, “to ensure the safety and well-being of J&K residents, including students, currently in Iran.”

Kashmir’s senior religious preacher, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also expressed grief over the killing of Iran’s supreme leader and called for a peaceful shutdown on Monday.

“Deeply saddened and outraged at the brutal killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, by the US and Israel that has shaken the Muslim world. The people of JK collectively condemn this brutality and the ongoing aggression against Iran, as well as the massacre of innocent girl students in Minab,” Mirwaiz posted on X.

“In this hour of immense sorrow, our hearts beat with the resilient people of Iran. May Allah grant strength to the oppressed, elevate the martyrs, and bring swift justice to those responsible for this. This is 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. Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) has called for a complete strike tomorrow. We urge the people to observe it with unity, dignity, and complete peacefulness,” he added.

Jammu and Kashmir Police Director General Nalin Prabhat with other officials, visits the Ghanta Ghar area in view of the protests against the alleged killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes, in Srinagar, Sunday, Mar. 1, 2026. (PTI)

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti extended support and solidarity with the shutdown call of Mirwaiz Umar over Khamenei’s killing. “This is a day of mourning to remind the world that injustice anywhere wounds the entire Muslim Ummah and all who stand for truth. United in grief and united in resistance, we stand firm with the people of Iran,” she said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee has postponed all political activities scheduled for today (March 1) in honour of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatullah Khamenei.

In a statement, the party said it has strongly condemned the brutal air strikes on the Iranian leader and called them an inhuman, barbaric and cowardly act on the part of the US and Israel.

Protesters gathered at Ghanta Ghar in Srinagar on Sunday and mourned the killing of Khamenei (ETV Bharat)

It stated that the president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, Tariq Hameed Karra, led the party's rank and file in expressing profound grief and sorrow over this great loss.

“The party expressed heartfelt condolences over the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader and equally shared the grief and pain,” it said.

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