Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday appealed for calm as police reviewed the overall law and order situation following widespread protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protests erupted in several parts of the Union Territory against Khamenei’s killing in an alleged US-Israel strike, officials said. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in areas with sizeable Shia populations across Kashmir and in a few pockets of Jammu, including Bhatindi on the outskirts of Jammu city and Chanderkote in Ramban district.
Expressing concern over the developments, Abdullah said his government is in close coordination with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Jammu and Kashmir residents, including students, currently in Iran. “I’m deeply concerned about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader. I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest,” Abdullah said in a post on X.
“We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures,” he added.
Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday that Khamenei was killed in the attack. A senior police official said top officers reviewed the security scenario in the wake of spontaneous protests and directed district police units to maintain close vigil and ensure peace across the Union Territory.