Khamenei killing fallout: 14 injured as fresh protests erupt in Kashmir; schools, colleges shut for 2 days, Lal Chowk sealed

At least 14 people, including six security personnel, were injured after fresh clashes broke out in Kashmir on Monday as protests continued over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint US-Israeli attack, PTI reported.

Authorities imposed strict restrictions across the Union Territory to prevent further violence. Schools and colleges across Kashmir were shut for the next two days, mobile internet speeds were reduced, and movement of people was limited in many areas.

Tension was very high in Srinagar, where police stopped a large group of protesters from marching toward Lal Chowk, the city’s main square. When security forces blocked their path, some protesters began throwing stones. Police responded by using tear gas shells and batons to disperse the crowd.

Most of the injuries to the 14 people were described as minor. Smaller groups also gathered in different parts of Srinagar and clashed with security forces at four separate locations.

On Sunday, thousands of people had gathered peacefully at Lal Chowk to protest. However, on Monday the area was sealed with metal barricades and concertina wires at all entry and exit points to prevent large gatherings.

At Shalteng on the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway, angry protesters threw stones at security forces and tried to block traffic. Some private vehicles were damaged during the unrest. Protesters shouted slogans in support of Khamenei as police worked for several hours to clear the road and restore traffic movement.

Large crowds had also assembled outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan office in Srinagar, raising slogans against the United States and Israel.

This marks the first time in several years that Srinagar has witnessed such intense stone-throwing incidents.