Iran-Israel conflict: Massive protest in Srinagar over Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s killing; police use tear gas shells to disperse crowd
Times of India
by NASEER GANAIMarch 2, 2026
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Protests erupted in Srinagar over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with authorities imposing restrictions and deploying police forces to manage the demonstrations. In a move to disperse protesters near Bemina Degree College, tear gas shells were used as tensions escalated. The city’s Lal Chowk, a central area, was completely sealed off, while security forces intensifed checks on key roads and deployed concertina wires. Shops remained closed across parts of the Valley, reflecting the widespread impact of the protests.
The demonstrations were part of broader regional tensions between Iran and Israel, with Kashmiris expressing solidarity against perceived aggression by the U.S. and Israel. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent religious leader, condemned the killing and called for peaceful protest through a voluntary strike. However, political figures like Aga Ruhullah Mehdi criticized the restrictions, calling them a “disgrace” and accusing authorities of failing to handle peaceful demonstrations responsibly.
Amidst heightened security measures, including reduced mobile internet speeds and checkpoints, authorities urged media and public to exercise caution in reporting. The protests highlight the interconnectedness of global conflicts, with Kashmir serving as both a flashpoint and a reflection of broader geopolitical tensions. This incident underscores how regional disputes can ignite local movements, drawing attention to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and its reach into South Asia.
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Originally published on Times of India on 3/2/2026