Protests erupt in IIOJK’s Rajouri against assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei
Jammu: Protests broke out in various parts of Rajouri district in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir today against the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei in an Israeli-American joint strike in Tehran.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in the Budhal area of the district, residents gathered in front of the Sheikh-ul-Alam Masjid to stage a demonstration, strongly condemning the joint military action by the US and Israel in Iran. Raising slogans against Israel and the US, they termed the attack a violation of international law and an act of aggression against the Muslim world. They also expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and called for restraint, peace and respect for sovereignty.
Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mohammad Farooq Inqilabi addressed the gathering, describing the killing as “highly unfortunate and dangerous for global peace”. He said targeting the leadership of a sovereign nation was against international norms and could have serious consequences for regional and global stability. Inqilabi also criticized the silence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that no official statement or outreach to Iranian authorities had been reported during the crisis.
In the main town of Rajouri, Muslim youth organised an “Iran Solidarity march”. Protestors assembled on Bela road and marched through the town, raising slogans against the US and Israel. During the demonstration, posters depicting American and Israeli leaders were set ablaze.
Similar protests were held in Kotranka area of the district, where demonstrators gathered in the town center carrying placards and banners denouncing foreign intervention and calling for adherence to international law.
The protests come after massive demonstrations rocked Kashmir following the the assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei in a joint Israel-US operation early Saturday. Authorities have imposed curfew-like restrictions in several areas to prevent further demonstrations. Residents in the Kashmir Valley were advised to remain indoors, while public and vehicular movement in Srinagar was largely suspended.
Heavy contingents of Indian Army and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force have been deployed at major intersections, marketplaces, and key neighborhoods. Barricades and concertina wire were erected in Srinagar, Gandarbal, Bandipora, Baramullah, Budgam, Pulwama and other areas of the Kashmir valley. Internet services remained suspended across the valley. Earlier, at least 14 protesters were injured after Indian forces used brute force on protesters in Srinagar while half a dozen protesting women were misbehaved and assaulted by Indian police.
