Pro-Khamenei Protests in Srinagar: Thousands Defy Restrictions, Clash with Police as Stone Pelting Reported

New Delhi: Tensions escalated in Srinagar's Batamaloo area on Monday after pro-Ali Khamenei protesters defied strict restrictions imposed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to prevent large gatherings, leading to clashes with security forces.

They had assembled in large numbers, carrying flags and portraits of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his death in a US-Israeli joint strike.

Mourners defy restrictions; stone pelting reported

According to reports, the protests soon turned violent after the demonstrators defied the restrictions and began hurling stones at police personnel, prompting security forces to push back the crowd, equipped with lathis and tear smoke guns. 

Visuals from the ground showed thick plumes of smoke rising as shells landed amidst the groups of mourners, and heavy stone pelting was also reported during the confrontation.

Senior officials were present on the ground to monitor the evolving situation.

The protests are significant, as street demonstrations, stone pelting and shutdowns have largely declined in the Valley since 2019. Monday’s mobilisation marked one of the rare instances of large-scale public protest in recent years.

Protests over killing of Khamenei

The clashes come a day after the demonstrations began following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli airstrikes. Protesters raised anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning the attack.

A protester told ANI, “Today, our beloved leader, Ali Khamenei, was brutally martyred. Yes, this mourning procession is going on peacefully in the city centre.”

A massive gathering was also witnessed at Lal Chowk, where over one lakh people reportedly assembled from different parts of the Valley.

However, clashes broke out in parts of Srinagar as authorities attempted to enforce restrictions.

The protests are significant, as street demonstrations, stone pelting and shutdowns have largely declined in the Valley since 2019. Monday’s mobilisation marked one of the rare instances of large-scale public protest in recent years.

Khamenei's India Connection

Ayatollah Khamenei’s influence in India has historically been complex. For decades, he was recognised as a prominent source of religious emulation (Marja-e-Taqlid) for many Indian Shias, who looked to his edicts on religious practice. His tenure was marked by both public diplomatic engagement with New Delhi and periods of friction regarding his outspoken stance on issues concerning Indian Muslims, which often led to strained, yet functional, bilateral ties.

Regional Tensions Escalate

The joint military operation carried out by the United States and Israel marks a dramatic escalation in Middle East tensions, as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled Iran for over three decades and served as the cornerstone of the country's foreign policy, particularly its opposition to American and Israeli influence, was killed in the strikes.

According to Iranian media reports, Khamenei was killed during coordinated U.S.-Israeli aerial strikes targeting key military and government installations in Tehran and other strategic locations. The strikes reportedly hit the Supreme Leader's office complex, known as Beit-e Rahbari, where he was said to have been present at the time.

U.S. President Donald Trump said military action would continue “through the week or as long as necessary.” In a statement, Trump called the development the “greatest chance” for the Iranian people to “take back” their country.