Parts of Poonch district witnessed a total shutdown on Tuesday, as residents mourned the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and staged protests against the United States and Israel, officials said.
Shops, markets and other commercial establishments remained closed in several areas, following the reported US–Israeli air strikes in Iran that led to the killing of Khamenei. The development triggered protests in parts of the region.
Police and personnel of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been put on high alert to maintain law and order, and deal with any untoward situation. In the past three days, several areas of Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed protests after the news of Khamenei’s killing. Members of the Shia Muslim community held demonstrations and mourning gatherings in different places. Demonstrators raised slogans against US and Israel, expressing solidarity with Iran and criticising the attack.
According to Iranian state media, 40 days of public mourning has been announced after the death of Khamenei. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after death, known as Arba’een, holds deep spiritual significance.
Similar protests were reported in parts of Rajouri district on Tuesday. In Budhal, residents gathered outside the Sheikh-ul-Alam Masjid and staged a protest. They condemned the joint military operation by the US and Israel in Iran.
Raising slogans against the two countries, the protesters termed the strike a violation of international law and an act of aggression against the Muslim world. They also expressed concern over rising tensions in the Middle East and urged for peace, and respect for sovereignty.
Senior People’s Democratic Party leader Mohammad Farooq Inqlabi, who addressed the gathering, stated that the killing was 'highly unfortunate and dangerous for global peace'. He said targeting the leadership of a sovereign nation was against international rules and could have serious implications for regional and global stability. Inqlabi also expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence, saying no official statement or outreach to the Iranian leadership had been reported during the crisis.
In the main town of Rajouri, youngsters organised an 'Iran Solidarity March'. They gathered on Bela Road and marched through the town, chanting slogans against the US and Israel. They also burnt posters of US and Israeli leaders during the protest.
Similar protests were reported in Kotranka, where residents gathered in the town centre carrying placards and banners. The protesters denounced foreign intervention and called for adherence to international law.
Meanwhile, tensions continued to rise across West Asia with multiple strikes reported in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. An Iraqi armed group claimed responsibility for an attack on a hotel in Erbil that it alleged housed US troops. In Saudi Arabia, the defence ministry said eight drones were intercepted and destroyed near Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
In Lebanon, Israeli forces reportedly struck the headquarters of Al-Manar, a broadcaster affiliated with Hezbollah. The channel reportedly resumed broadcasting minutes after the strike. The Israel Defense Forces said the overnight strike in Beirut led to the killing of Hussein Makled, the head of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters.
Also read: Khamenei killing: 14 hurt as protests turn violent in Kashmir
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