Second Day of Curfew-Like Restrictions in J&K

By: Javid Amin | 03 March 2026

Omar Abdullah Questions Legality of US–Israel Strike on Khamenei

For the second consecutive day, Jammu and Kashmir remained under curfew-like restrictions as protests continued over the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US–Israel strike.

Security forces maintained a heavy presence across major towns, educational institutions remained closed, and political reactions intensified — led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who publicly questioned the legality of the operation.

The Valley is tense, grieving, and politically charged — caught between global geopolitics and local sensitivities.

Omar Abdullah’s Response: Condemnation with a Call for Calm

“What law gave America and Israel the right?”

Speaking amid mounting unrest, Omar Abdullah strongly condemned the assassination.

He said the people of Iran should decide their own leadership “without external interference,” and asked pointedly:

“What law gave America and Israel the right to do this?”

His remarks placed him among the strongest voices within mainstream Indian politics questioning the legitimacy of the strike.

Appeal for Restraint

At the same time, Abdullah urged Kashmiris to channel their grief and anger through peaceful and lawful means.

He warned:

Against violence or vandalism
Against confrontation with security forces
Against escalation that could worsen the local situation

He also reportedly coordinated with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to monitor the safety of residents from Jammu & Kashmir currently in Iran.

This balancing act — condemning the strike while urging calm — reflects the administration’s tightrope walk between public sentiment and law-and-order priorities.

Ground Situation: Second Day of Restrictions

Authorities extended preventive measures as protests persisted.

Security Enforcement

Curfew-like restrictions were enforced in:

Srinagar
Sopore
Several downtown and semi-urban pockets across the Valley

Barricades, checkpoints, and concertina wires remained visible in sensitive areas, particularly near Lal Chowk and major religious sites.

Schools Closed Until March 7

The administration extended the closure of schools and colleges across the Valley until March 7, citing safety concerns.

Parents expressed concern about academic disruptions, but many supported the decision given the prevailing tensions.

Public Sentiment: Emotional in Shia-Majority Areas

Protests have been particularly intense in Shia-majority pockets of Kashmir and in Kargil, part of Ladakh.

For many in these areas, Khamenei was not just a political figure but a religious authority with ideological significance.

Demonstrations featured:

Black flags
Mourning processions
Slogans condemning US and Israeli actions

While largely peaceful, the emotional temperature remains high.

Other Political Reactions: Sharper Critiques Emerge

While Omar Abdullah adopted a tone combining condemnation with restraint, other leaders took more confrontational positions.

Mehbooba Mufti: Silence and Censorship

Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), criticized both the assassination and what she described as India’s silence.

She also accused Meta of removing Kashmiri news outlets’ social media handles, framing it as censorship during a critical moment.

Her stance linked two themes:

Geopolitical injustice
Digital suppression

Sonia Gandhi: A Historical Reminder

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi invoked Iran’s support for India at the UN Human Rights Commission in 1994.

By recalling Tehran’s backing on Kashmir-related matters, she contrasted past diplomatic solidarity with what she described as Delhi’s muted stance now.

Her intervention added a historical dimension to the political debate.

Sajad Lone: Media Restoration Demand

Sajad Lone, head of the People’s Conference, demanded restoration of Kashmiri media handles that were allegedly taken down.

He criticized what he called a “muted response” from the government and framed the issue as one of free expression and political dignity.

Contrast in Tone Across Leadership

The crisis has exposed varying political approaches:

Omar Abdullah

Focused on legality and international norms
Balanced condemnation with appeals for restraint
Emphasized administrative stability

Mehbooba Mufti & Sajad Lone

Adopted sharper, more confrontational rhetoric
Framed silence as complicity
Highlighted censorship concerns

Sonia Gandhi

Positioned criticism within historical diplomatic context

Religious Voices

Emphasized emotional solidarity with Iran
Highlighted Khamenei’s support for Palestine
Framed the strike as ideological aggression

This diversity of response reflects Kashmir’s complex political ecosystem — where international developments often intersect with local narratives of identity and justice.

Why Global Events Reverberate in Kashmir

Kashmir has historically reacted strongly to geopolitical developments involving Muslim-majority nations.

Several factors explain this pattern:

Religious and cultural affinity
Historical political sensitivity
A deeply engaged civil society
The region’s own contested political status

When a global event carries religious symbolism — as Khamenei’s assassination does — its resonance multiplies.

Administrative Strategy: Containment and Communication

For the J&K administration, priorities appear clear:

Prevent street violence
Avoid prolonged shutdowns
Maintain communication with New Delhi
Monitor digital mobilization

The extension of curfew-like measures into a second day indicates official concern that protests could escalate if restrictions are relaxed too quickly.

Broader Implications

This episode underscores several realities:

International crises can rapidly reshape domestic politics in sensitive regions.
Political leaders face pressure to articulate positions that reflect public emotion without triggering instability.
The boundary between political expression and public order remains contested.

The developments also highlight how Kashmir’s internal political discourse often mirrors global debates — from legality of military intervention to digital censorship and diplomatic silence.

Conclusion: A Valley Balancing Grief and Governance

As Jammu & Kashmir enters its second day of curfew-like restrictions, the situation remains tense but controlled.

Omar Abdullah’s condemnation of the US–Israel strike — coupled with his call for restraint — reflects an attempt to acknowledge public anger while preserving stability.

Meanwhile, sharper critiques from other leaders demonstrate that the political conversation is far from settled.

The assassination of Ayatollah Khamenei has once again shown that in Kashmir, global geopolitics is never distant. It echoes through streets, mosques, legislatures — and now, through curfew barricades across the Valley.