Kashmir Sees Widespread Protests and Government Crackdown Following Iran Leader's Death
In response to large-scale demonstrations that erupted across the Kashmir Valley over the past two days, the Jammu and Kashmir government has announced an extension of school and college closures until March 7. The protests were triggered by the killing of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with crowds gathering in Srinagar and other areas to express grief and anger.
Meta Blocks Local Newspaper Accounts, Sparking Political Outcry
Simultaneously, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has blocked several verified newspaper accounts in the Valley, a move that has drawn sharp condemnation from political leaders. Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti and Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone have both called on Meta to uphold freedom of expression.
Mehbooba Mufti expressed concern over the censorship of news organizations such as @GreaterKashmir, @KashmirLife, and @RisingKashmir, whose Facebook and Instagram pages have been taken down. "Such actions not only silence legitimate voices but also undermine the fundamental right to freedom of expression," she stated, urging the Jammu & Kashmir government to end any media censorship in the region.
Sajad Lone echoed these sentiments, noting that the blocked handles belong to responsible and mature institutions. "Their absence will do more harm," he warned, highlighting the importance of these platforms for information dissemination.
Kashmir Life, a weekly newspaper, confirmed in a statement that its verified pages became inaccessible in India since Monday afternoon after Meta restricted access at the request of law enforcement authorities. Meta cited Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which allows authorities to require intermediaries to disable content based on government notifications.
Police Book NC MP and Former Mayor Over Alleged Misinformation
In a related development, police registered cases late Tuesday against National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and former Srinagar mayor Junaid Azim Mattu. They are accused of circulating false and misleading content on digital and social media platforms with the intent to create fear, disturb public order, and incite unlawful activities. The FIR was filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Cyber Police Station in Srinagar.
Mehdi responded early Wednesday, defending his actions. "The same administration that couldn't find the courage to condemn a sovereign nation's leader being martyred now finds the courage to book the one man who did," he said. He emphasized that his mandate to speak the truth for the people of Srinagar does not expire with an FIR.
LG Sinha Appeals for Calm Amid Security Reviews
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired two high-level meetings on Tuesday to address the escalating situation. At the Police Control Room in Srinagar, he reviewed the law-and-order scenario and appealed to citizens and community leaders to uphold harmony and contribute to a calm atmosphere. Sinha, who oversees law and order in J&K, stressed the need for peace and goodwill in society.
He also held a meeting at Lok Bhawan for in-depth deliberations on the prevailing security scenario in the Union Territory. The meeting was attended by senior military and police officials, including Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, and Nalin Prabhat, DGP of J&K.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police issued a statement warning that some elements are attempting to spread distorted narratives and unverified content to incite unrest. "Such malicious misinformation campaigns pose a grave threat to peace, security, and the integrity of the nation," the police said, adding that strict legal action will be taken against offenders.
Protests Mark First Large-Scale Unrest Since Article 370 Abrogation
Protests erupted across Kashmir on Sunday morning as news of Khamenei's death spread, with large crowds marching toward Lal Chowk in Srinagar. Demonstrators chanted anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans, turning the iconic Clock Tower into a focal point. Many carried black and red flags symbolizing grief and martyrdom, beat their chests in mourning, and held portraits of Khamenei and Iran's founding leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.
This marks the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, that such large-scale protests have occurred in the Valley. Police have since sealed Lal Chowk to prevent further gatherings.
Despite heavy restrictions on Monday and Tuesday, demonstrations continued in several areas, with police firing tear gas to disperse crowds. Incidents of stone-throwing were reported, and more than a dozen people were injured in Monday's protests.
Ruling National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq appealed to the Union home minister and LG Sinha to consider releasing youths detained over the past two days. He also urged Shia protesters to confine their expressions of grief and anger to peaceful means within homes, mosques, and Imambaras to avoid unrest.
