Srinagar, March 4, 2026 – Authorities in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir maintained stringent restrictions across several districts for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, following widespread protests and mourning demonstrations triggered by the reported killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli airstrikes. The measures, described by officials as precautionary to prevent violence and maintain public order, included the closure of educational institutions until Saturday, continued throttling of mobile internet services, and heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces.
The curbs, which began on Monday, affected normal life in Srinagar and other Shia-majority areas such as Budgam, Baramulla, and parts of south Kashmir. Shops, markets, and public transport remained largely shut, while major roads were barricaded with concertina wire and checkpoints. The iconic Ghanta Ghar clock tower at Lal Chowk in Srinagar—the traditional epicenter of political gatherings—stayed sealed after witnessing large crowds on Sunday. Protesters had gathered there to condemn the US-Israeli operation, burn effigies, and offer prayers for the late supreme leader and other victims.
Police issued advisories urging residents to exercise restraint and warning of strict action against anyone engaging in violence, stone-pelting, or unlawful assembly. Officials stated that the restrictions would be reviewed daily based on the ground situation. Mobile internet services, already limited to 2G speeds in many areas since Monday, remained throttled for the third day, hampering communication and access to online news.
The protests erupted in response to the large-scale US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that commenced on February 28, 2026. The strikes targeted Iranian military, missile, and leadership sites, resulting in the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and nearly 800 people according to Iranian authorities, including senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Among the casualties were reports of dozens of schoolgirls killed in strikes near educational or residential areas. Iran has retaliated with waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli military installations and US-linked sites in Gulf countries, including a deadly strike on a US tactical operations center in Kuwait that killed six American service members and injured several others.
In New Delhi, the Indian government expressed “anxiety” over the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Official statements reiterated calls for dialogue, de-escalation, and an early end to hostilities through diplomatic channels, while emphasizing India’s commitment to regional stability and the safety of its citizens abroad.
Separately, Jammu and Kashmir police registered a case against National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu for allegedly disseminating “misleading” content on social media platforms. The FIR was filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and IT Act. Mehdi, who has represented Srinagar in the Lok Sabha since 2024, claimed in a post on X that his security cover had been downgraded amid the unrest. He and supporters described the case as politically motivated.
Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti condemned the FIR as “unwarranted and unjust.” In a post on X, she wrote: “Just because the GoI (Government of India) and the NC in Jammu and Kashmir have chosen to remain silent on the blatant aggression by US and Israel against Iran and the martyrdom of its Supreme Leader doesn’t mean that those who speak out are offenders to be booked under the law.” Mufti demanded the immediate withdrawal of the case.
Kashmiri religious leader and moderate separatist figure Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also weighed in, describing the widespread protests and mourning across Jammu and Kashmir as a reflection of the region’s “living moral conscience.” In a statement posted on X, he said: “The unity in grief and condemnation over the events in Iran shown by the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir reflects the living moral conscience of our society, standing firmly against oppression and unwaveringly with the oppressed.” Mirwaiz called reports of detentions of protesters, mourners, women, and minors “unfortunate and unwarranted,” demanding their immediate release.
The demonstrations in Kashmir have been largely peaceful but emotionally charged, with large gatherings in mosques, Imambargahs, and public spaces for special prayers. Participants waved Iranian flags, chanted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, and held placards condemning the strikes. The restrictions reflect authorities’ concerns over potential escalation into violence, drawing parallels to past episodes of unrest triggered by international events perceived as affecting Muslim communities.
The situation in Jammu and Kashmir remains tense but under control, with no major incidents of violence reported on Wednesday. Officials have indicated that normalcy measures would be gradually eased once the situation stabilizes. Meanwhile, the broader Middle East conflict continues to unfold, with Iran vowing sustained retaliation and the US-Israel alliance maintaining pressure on Tehran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.
The episode highlights the deep emotional and religious solidarity felt in parts of Kashmir toward Iran and its leadership, as well as the challenges authorities face in balancing public sentiment with security imperatives amid global geopolitical turbulence.
