Protests in J&K, candle march in Raipur over Khamenei death

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Security restrictions tightened Monday across Kashmir valley as protests over the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei rolled into a second day, spilling into Jammu region districts and drawing candlelit mourning in Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur.

J&K police fired tear gas and carried out lathi charges at several flashpoints, while authorities throttled mobile internet speeds and sealed key city centres. In Budgam district, hundreds of women and children joined marches shouting slogans against Israel and US.

Clashes erupted along Srinagar–Gulmarg Road when Shia mourners tried to advance towards Srinagar. Lal Chowk in Srinagar, the protest epicentre Sunday, was cordoned off with concertina wire. Police and paramilitary units manned checkpoints, halted vehicles. Shops were shuttered across Srinagar and much of the valley. A senior police officer said heavy restrictions would continue Tuesday.

National Conference condemned the curbs. Law and order in the Union territory lies outside the elected govt’s control.

Beyond the Valley, shutdowns took hold in Kishtwar and Doda districts of Jammu region. Doda authorities issued advisories urging restraint as most shops and businesses stayed closed, officials said. In Ramban, Shia communities held memorial prayers for a second day to honour Khamenei and others killed in air strikes. Smaller protests were reported from Rajouri and Poonch.

Far from J&K, mourning reached Raipur. In the Mominpara locality, members of the Shia community — children among them — lit candles, offered prayers and carried posters hailing Khamenei while denouncing US and Israel. Placards targeted Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Police added personnel as a precaution. Officials said the situation remained peaceful.

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