Srinagar: All schools, colleges, and universities in the Kashmir Valley will remain closed for two days from Monday in the wake of protests over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha urged communities to stay peaceful and calm.
Authorities ordered the closure of all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, for March 2 and 3, as peaceful protests continued across the Valley on Sunday. Protesters gathered at multiple locations, including Lal Chowk in Srinagar, while senior police officials, including DGP Nalin Prabhat, monitored security arrangements to prevent any exploitation by miscreants or anti-national elements.
In a post on X, LG Sinha said, “Chaired a meeting to review the security situation across J&K UT. Called upon all communities to stay peaceful and calm. I salute the unwavering, synchronised resolve of our police and security forces upholding law and order.”
Former Chief Minister and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the developments in Iran, appealing to all communities to maintain peace and allow mourning to occur without tension. He added that the J&K government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety of residents, including students currently in Iran.
National Conference President Farooq Abdullah and party leaders condemned the US-Israel strike on Iran. The NC described the attack as a tragic, destabilising event and appealed for calm, urging the administration to handle the situation sensitively while maintaining public order.
Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti called the killing of Khamenei a “deeply tragic and shameful” event and criticised Muslim countries for prioritising convenience over conscience. She extended prayers for the people of Iran and called for resilience against oppression.
Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, expressed outrage over the attack and the killing of innocent students in Minab. He called on the Ummah to rise above divisions and stand united against the aggression. The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) has called for a complete strike, urging people to observe it peacefully.
Despite the public holiday, most commercial activities were suspended, reflecting strong public sentiment. Security forces remained on high alert throughout the Valley, and no untoward incidents were reported on Sunday.
With IANS inputs