Lal Chowk Sealed Amid Protests Over Khamenei Killing | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Authorities on Monday imposed restrictions across all districts of Kashmir following protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a nationwide security alert warning of possible unrest in the wake of US–Israel strikes on Iran.

In Kashmir, security was placed on high alert, with additional deployments of police and paramilitary personnel in sensitive areas. Lal Chowk, the city centre in Srinagar, was sealed and declared out of bounds for pedestrians and vehicular movement. Barricades were erected at multiple entry points, and security forces maintained a tight vigil.

Eyewitnesses said movement in Lal Chowk remained minimal, with only a few individuals seen walking under close monitoring. Shops in the commercial hub remained shut, and public transport was largely off the roads. Restrictions were also imposed in other parts of Srinagar, particularly in downtown areas and major intersections considered sensitive, where checkpoints were set up to regulate movement.

Officials described the measures as precautionary, taken to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident following protests witnessed a day earlier. No major incident was reported till the filing of this report, and authorities said the situation remained tense but under control.

Political leaders criticised the imposition of restrictions in Kashmir, arguing that demonstrations had remained peaceful. The Office of MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi described the closure of Ghanta Ghar as a “disgrace”, stating that people had gathered to mourn and express solidarity peacefully.

National Conference leader and MLA Tanvir Sadiq also expressed disappointment over the decision, saying thousands had mourned peacefully without any law and order incident. “Mourning is not a crime. Grief is not unrest,” he said, urging the Union Home Minister and the Lieutenant Governor to reconsider the restrictions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) alerted all states and Union Territories to the possibility of violence and sporadic protests following recent developments in Iran. The advisory was issued against the backdrop of protests by members of the Shia community in several parts of the country after the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.

The MHA directed security agencies to remain on high alert and monitor the activities of both pro-Iran and anti-Iran groups. States were instructed to strengthen security around Iranian, American and Israeli embassies and consulates, as well as other diplomatic establishments.

The advisory also flagged potential threats from Shia militias and terrorist organisations such as the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. Intelligence inputs suggest extremist groups could attempt to exploit prevailing tensions to foment unrest or carry out disruptive activities.

According to the alert, major tourist destinations, Jewish institutions and establishments linked to Western countries could be potential targets. States have been advised to step up deployment at sensitive locations, intensify checks in crowded areas and conduct regular inspections to detect explosives, including improvised explosive devices.

Directors General of Police have been instructed to ensure that quick response teams remain operational. The MHA has also directed cyber cells to monitor social media platforms to curb the spread of inflammatory content and misinformation that could disturb communal harmony.

Authorities maintained that the curbs were aimed at ensuring peace and preventing escalation in view of the prevailing situation.