Tens of Thousands Protest in Kashmir Following Khamenei’s Death

Tens of thousands of people in India-controlled Kashmir have taken to the streets to protest and mourn the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrations erupted in major towns such as Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Pulwama, and Kargil. Protesters displayed black flags and portraits of Khamenei while chanting slogans against the United States and Israel.

In anticipation of unrest following the announcement of Khamenei’s death, local authorities had already increased security measures across the region. Reports indicate that security forces were deployed in significant numbers, and internet services were slowed to prevent the spread of information. Witnesses claim there were instances of Indian forces charging at protesters, as confirmed by local sources.

Kashmir, while predominantly Sunni, is home to a notable Shia population that constitutes approximately 10-15 percent of its residents. Support for Khamenei transcends sectarian lines in the region. Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq, a prominent religious leader, publicly condemned Khamenei’s killing and called for a general strike in Kashmir on Monday.

Protests were not confined to India-controlled Kashmir; significant demonstrations also occurred in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Unverified reports suggest that a United Nations office was set ablaze during these protests.

In response to the unrest, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced the temporary closure of all educational institutions for two days. The region has a long-standing cultural and linguistic connection with Iran, often referred to as “Little Iran” due to the extensive influence of Iranian culture.

As the situation continues to develop, the international community is observing the reactions within Kashmir, where the intersection of political and religious sentiments remains deeply sensitive.