The Aryavarth Express
Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): Security remained on high alert for the second consecutive day in Lal Chowk area of Srinagar following protests by members of the Shia Muslim community over reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Authorities tightened security in and around Lal Chowk after protests on Monday prompted police to use tear gas to disperse crowds. The demonstrations were held as Shia Muslims in the region mourned Khamenei’s reported death in airstrikes allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel.
On Sunday, members of the Shia community staged a large protest outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) headquarters in Srinagar. Protesters carried portraits of Khamenei, waved black flags, and raised slogans condemning the US and Israeli actions. Traditional mourning chants, known as Nauha, were also heard during the demonstrations.
Similar protests were reported in other parts of the country, with participants expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning the strikes.
Meanwhile, tensions continued to escalate across West Asia, with multiple incidents reported in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. An Iraqi armed group reportedly claimed responsibility for an attack on a hotel in Erbil that it alleged was housing US troops.
In Saudi Arabia, the Defence Ministry said eight drones were intercepted and destroyed near Riyadh and Al-Kharj. In Lebanon, Iran’s state-run IRNA News Agency reported that Israel struck the headquarters of Al-Manar, a broadcaster affiliated with Hezbollah, though the channel resumed transmission shortly after.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed carrying out an overnight strike in Beirut that killed Hussein Makled, described as the head of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters. Lebanese authorities have stated that military activities of the group would be banned.
