Police fired tear gas shells to disperse people protesting against the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid precautionary restrictions in all districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Due to the bandh for the second consecutive day on Monday, life in the valley almost came to a standstill. At many places, processions were taken out in violation of prohibitory orders, to stop which police and paramilitary forces had to use force.
Widespread impact of bandh in the valley
Markets, transport and offices were affected due to the strike for the second day on March 2. Additional contingents of police and paramilitary forces were deployed in sensitive areas. A two-day holiday was declared in all educational institutions and internet speed was limited. The administration increased strictness in many areas as a precautionary measure. Constant patrolling and monitoring was done to keep the situation under control. Officials appealed to people to maintain peace and not pay attention to rumours.
#WATCH | Srinagar | J&K Police use tear gas shells to disperse people protesting against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid restrictions imposed in all districts of Kashmir as a precautionary measure. pic.twitter.com/SqgDfMzIZx
— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2026
Traffic closed on many roads
In Srinagar, roads were closed in many areas including Lal Chowk, Aabigujar, Alamgiri Bazaar and Lal Bazaar. Traffic was also limited in Shia dominated areas of Baramulla, Pattan, Mangam, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian and Bandipore. Despite administrative restrictions, people of Shia community gathered in large numbers. The protesters tried to march towards Lal Chowk carrying posters of Khamenei and banners with anti-America-Israel slogans.
Clash between police and protesters
Near Batmaloo, police and CRPF personnel stopped the protesters from moving forward and cited prohibitory orders. Despite the appeals of the security personnel, the agitated crowd pushed forward and broke the barricades installed. Some protesters were carrying flags of Palestine, Iran and Hezbollah.
Seeing the situation worsening, the security forces resorted to lathi charge and released tear gas shells, leading to violent clashes. The protesters repeatedly gathered and tried to move forward, but after about an hour of struggle, the security personnel controlled the situation and dispersed the crowd.