What Happened
- Curfew-like restrictions on movement and assembly remained in force across several parts of the Kashmir Valley — particularly in Shia-majority areas — following protests triggered by the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel airstrike on Tehran.
- Khamenei was killed on Saturday (March 1, 2026) during the opening phase of the US-Israel military campaign against Iran; Iranian state media confirmed his death the same day.
- This marks the first time since August 2019 (revocation of Article 370) that protests of such scale have erupted in Kashmir — with complete shutdowns observed across major towns of the Valley.
- Authorities deployed heavy police and paramilitary personnel with barricades and concertina wire in Shia-majority districts; mobile internet speeds were throttled; educational institutions were closed as a precautionary measure and the closure extended through the week.
- Security forces cited "maintenance of public order" and "pre-emptive security" as the basis for the restrictions, invoking powers under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) Section 144 (prohibitory orders against assembly of five or more persons).
- The protests reflect Kashmir's religious and geopolitical sensitivity: the Valley has a significant Shia Muslim population (mainly in Kargil and parts of the Valley) with historical ties to Iran, including religious study links (Hawza seminaries in Qom).
Static Topic Bridges
Section 144 CrPC and Public Order Management in India
Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, allows a District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, or any Executive Magistrate to issue orders prohibiting assembly of five or more persons, the carrying of weapons, or any other activity likely to cause a disturbance of public order. The order is issued when there is immediate apprehension of danger to life, property, or public tranquility. It can be in force for up to 60 days without extension.
- Sec. 144 CrPC: Emergency powers; used frequently in Kashmir, northeast India, and communally sensitive areas
- Internet shutdowns: India has led the world in internet shutdowns — used alongside Sec. 144 as a public order tool; critics argue it violates the right to free speech (Art. 19)
- Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020): Supreme Court ruled that internet access is a fundamental right under Art. 19(1)(a) and Art. 21; shutdowns must be proportionate, reviewed periodically, and subject to judicial oversight
- AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act): Applies in designated "disturbed areas" in J&K, Nagaland, Manipur; gives military personnel special arrest and search powers; frequently criticised by human rights bodies
- After August 2019 (Art. 370 revocation): J&K was placed under a communication blockade for months; the region has been particularly sensitive to external religious and geopolitical triggers since
Connection to this news: The deployment of Sec. 144 restrictions alongside internet throttling reflects the government's established protocol for managing security-sensitive situations in the Valley — but also raises recurring questions about proportionality and civil liberties.
Iran-Kashmir-India Triangle: Religious and Geopolitical Links
Iran has historically maintained cultural and religious influence in Kashmir, particularly among the Shia Muslim community. The Shia population of Kashmir — concentrated in the Kargil district of Ladakh and parts of the Valley — maintains strong links to Iran's theological centers, especially the Hawza seminary in Qom, where Kashmiri students study Islamic jurisprudence. Khamenei, as the supreme religious authority (Wali al-Faqih) in Iran's velayat-e faqih system, was deeply venerated by Shia Muslims globally.
- Khamenei: Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989 (succeeded Khomeini); head of state under Iran's theocratic system; commander of armed forces and final decision-making authority
- Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist): Iran's governing principle since the 1979 revolution; Supreme Leader has ultimate authority over the elected President
- Kashmir Shia population: Significant in Kargil (Ladakh); smaller but vocal presence in Srinagar; separate from the Valley's majority Sunni population
- Iran-Pakistan-India dynamic: Iran has used cultural diplomacy (Nowruz, Persian literary events) in Kashmir; Pakistan's ISI has also historically leveraged religious sentiments
- India-Iran relations: India maintains pragmatic ties; imports oil (pre-sanctions), has Chabahar port agreement for Afghanistan/Central Asia access
Connection to this news: Khamenei's killing at the hands of the US and Israel carries profound religious symbolism for Shia Muslims globally — the scale of Kashmir's response underscores how external geopolitical events can rapidly destabilise India's most sensitive border region.
Jammu and Kashmir's Special Status and Post-2019 Governance
Until August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir was an Indian state with special status under Article 370 of the Constitution, which restricted the application of Indian laws and gave the state its own constitution. On August 5, 2019, the government revoked Article 370 and bifurcated J&K into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir (with a legislature) and Ladakh (without a legislature). This reorganisation was challenged in the Supreme Court, which upheld it in December 2023 while directing elections by September 2024.
- Article 370 revoked: August 5, 2019; accompanied by a weeks-long communications blackout
- J&K Reorganisation Act: Created two UTs — J&K UT (with legislature) and Ladakh UT (without legislature)
- Supreme Court judgment (December 2023): Upheld abrogation of Article 370; directed elections to J&K Assembly
- J&K elections: Held September-October 2024; National Conference + Congress alliance won; Omar Abdullah became CM
- Security: ~50,000+ central forces remain deployed in J&K; Stone-pelting incidents decreased post-2019 but terror incidents persist
- Human rights concerns: UN Special Rapporteurs have flagged restrictions on assembly, press freedom, and political detention in J&K
Connection to this news: Despite the political normalisation attempted through elections, the Kashmir Valley's deep religious and political sensitivities remain easily ignited by external events — as demonstrated by the protests following Khamenei's killing, which bypassed the new political order entirely.
Key Facts & Data
- Khamenei's death: Killed March 1, 2026 in Tehran; joint US-Israel airstrike during opening of Iran conflict
- Kashmir protests: First protests of such scale since August 2019 (Art. 370 revocation)
- Restrictions: Curfew-like; Sec. 144 CrPC; internet throttled; schools closed (extended through week)
- Areas affected: Shia-majority districts of Kashmir Valley; Srinagar old city; parts of Kargil (Ladakh)
- Security deployment: Heavy CRPF, J&K Police; barricades and concertina wire in sensitive areas
- Section 144 CrPC: Prohibits assembly of 5+ persons; valid for up to 60 days; District Magistrate powers
- Anuradha Bhasin v. UoI (2020): Internet shutdown must be proportionate and subject to judicial review
- J&K structure (post-2019): Two UTs — J&K (with legislature, CM Omar Abdullah) + Ladakh (without legislature)
- Iran's Supreme Leader system: Velayat-e Faqih; Khamenei was supreme leader since 1989
- Khamenei's successor: Not officially named at time of article; succession in Iran's system is decided by the Assembly of Experts