Protests Supporting Iran Persist in Kashmir Valley Amid Restrictions
Synopsis
Despite strict restrictions, pro-Iran protests have surged in the Kashmir Valley, resulting in clashes with security forces. This unrest follows the reported assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Discover the escalating tensions in the region as protests continue to unfold.
Key Takeaways
Pro-Iran protests are ongoing in the Kashmir Valley despite official restrictions.
Violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces have occurred.
Authorities have closed educational institutions to prevent further unrest.
Protests were sparked by the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
A significant Shia Muslim population is present in the region.
Srinagar, March 2 (NationPress) In spite of the restrictions enforced by authorities on Monday aimed at preserving law and order, pro-Iran demonstrations persisted in various locations throughout the Kashmir Valley, with reports of confrontations between security forces and demonstrators in certain areas.
A heavy deployment of police and security personnel was evident across the region, particularly in areas with a significant Shia Muslim population in Srinagar and beyond.
At Lal Chowk, the city center, barricades constructed from concertina wire were set up following a gathering of thousands of protesters on Sunday, who voiced their dissent against the United States and Israel.
Educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, were closed on Monday and will remain shut on Tuesday, according to officials.
All exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday have been postponed, with the University of Kashmir announcing that new dates for the rescheduled examinations will be shared soon.
Movement of individuals and vehicles was restricted in multiple areas, and internet speeds were reduced to hinder the spread of provocative material on social media.
This marks the second consecutive day of protests in the Valley following the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, due to airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel early Saturday.
Demonstrations were noted in locations such as Bemina, Gund Hassi Bhat, Budgam, Magam, Shalteng, and Jehangir Chowk in Srinagar, alongside protests in Pulwama town in southern Kashmir.
Protesters gathered in these areas, marching through the streets while chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.
In some instances, security forces resorted to using lathis and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric and chairman of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), had called for a protest shutdown on Monday, an appeal endorsed by various political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
The Shia Muslim population in the Kashmir Valley is estimated to be around 1.6 million, primarily residing in areas like Zadibal in Srinagar; Magam and Budgam towns in the Budgam district; and numerous villages across Baramulla, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Anantnag, and Bandipora districts.
Senior police officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, oversaw the security measures implemented throughout the region.
According to high-level sources, specific directives have been issued to security forces to minimize the use of force unless absolutely necessary.
“The primary intention behind the deployment today was to prevent miscreants and anti-national elements from mingling with the crowds to create a law and order crisis.
“The overall situation in the Valley remained largely calm today, with only a few instances where mild lathi charges were utilized to disperse unruly groups,” top sources informed IANS.
Point of View
Especially in response to international events. While the authorities' attempts to maintain order through restrictions are evident, the strong public sentiment demonstrates the deep-rooted political and religious tensions that continue to define this area.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the pro-Iran protests in Kashmir Valley?
The protests were triggered by the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in airstrikes by the United States and Israel.
What measures have been taken by authorities during the protests?
Authorities have deployed a significant number of police and security personnel, imposed movement restrictions, and closed educational institutions to maintain order.
How has the protest affected educational institutions?
Schools, colleges, and universities have been closed, and all examinations scheduled for Monday and Tuesday have been postponed.
What areas have seen the most protests?
Protests have been reported in areas such as Bemina, Budgam, Magam, and Pulwama among others.
What has been the response of the police to the protests?
Police have used lathis and tear gas in some instances to disperse crowds, while emphasizing a strategy to minimize force unless absolutely necessary.
