Kashmir Protests: Police Warn After Clashes in Srinagar

Police in Indian-administered Kashmir have warned of strict legal action after violent protests linked to the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader left at least 12 people injured, including five officers.

Authorities in the region said unrest broke out in parts of Srinagar after demonstrators attempted to march towards the city centre, prompting security forces to intervene.

Clashes in Srinagar

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, protests initially organised to mourn the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, escalated into confrontations at several locations.

On Monday, groups of protesters gathered in different parts of Srinagar, the region’s largest city. When security forces stopped them from advancing towards Lal Chowk, a central commercial district often associated with political demonstrations, some demonstrators began throwing stones, officials said.

Police responded by using tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds. At least 12 people were injured during the clashes, including five police personnel, according to official statements.

In one incident at Shalteng, along the Srinagar-Baramulla highway, protesters reportedly hurled stones at security forces and damaged private vehicles. Traffic on the highway was disrupted for several hours before authorities restored movement.

The police said that while peaceful protest is permitted, violence and public disorder would not be tolerated.

“In view of recent developments in the Middle East, we respect the right of citizens to peacefully express themselves through lawful means. However, incidents of rioting, stone-throwing, clashes and disruption of public order at some places are not acceptable,” the police said in a statement.

The force warned that those found instigating or participating in unlawful activity would face strict legal action.

Restrictions and security measures

Officials imposed restrictions in parts of the Kashmir Valley following the unrest. Lal Chowk was sealed with metal barricades and concertina wire to prevent further gatherings.

Mobile internet services were temporarily restricted, and schools and colleges across the Valley were ordered to close for two days, according to local authorities.

A large deployment of police and paramilitary personnel has been put in place to enforce the restrictions and prevent further escalation.

Police said that violence and damage to property could lead to injuries, economic hardship and disruption to daily life. “Violence, destruction of property, and confrontation with security forces lead to injuries, loss of life, restrictions, closure of educational institutions, and hardship for families, traders, students, and daily wagers,” the statement said.

Sunday protest remained peaceful

The clashes followed a large gathering on Sunday in Lal Chowk, where thousands of people reportedly assembled to express solidarity and protest over the reported killing of Ayatollah Khamenei.

According to police, the demonstration on Sunday proceeded without major incident, and participants were allowed to converge at the city centre. Protesters were heard chanting religious and political slogans.

By evening, authorities began imposing control measures to prevent the protests from spreading or turning violent.

Observers say this marks one of the first significant episodes of stone-throwing in Srinagar in recent years, a tactic that had previously been common during periods of unrest in the region.

Crackdown on alleged misinformation

Separately, Srinagar Police said they had registered a formal complaint at the Cyber Police Station over what they described as a campaign of false and misleading information circulating on television and social media platforms.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, a police spokesperson said authorities had taken “serious cognizance” of fabricated content allegedly aimed at inciting unrest and disturbing public order.

An official case, identified as First Information Report number 01/2026, has been registered under relevant legal provisions, the police said. Several social media profiles have been identified, and individuals have been summoned for questioning.

“Spreading fake news, inflammatory content, or unverified information will invite stringent legal consequences,” the spokesperson said, urging citizens and media organisations to verify facts from official sources before sharing content.

The police added that they remain committed to maintaining law and order and would not allow attempts to destabilise peace in the region.

Wider context

Indian-administered Kashmir has experienced decades of political tension and intermittent violence. While large-scale protests and stone-throwing incidents have declined in recent years, authorities continue to maintain a strong security presence in the region.

The latest unrest highlights how international events can resonate locally, particularly in areas with complex political and religious sensitivities.

Officials have appealed for calm and restraint as security measures remain in place, saying their priority is to prevent further violence and restore normalcy.