POONCH: A complete shutdown was observed in Poonch on Tuesday as members of the Shia Muslim community mourned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and protested against the US and Israel. Police and CRPF personnel have been placed on high alert across the district to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents. Officials said adequate security arrangements were made in sensitive areas, with forces conducting patrols and monitoring key junctions. Security also remained tightened in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk for the second consecutive day. On Monday, police used tear gas shells to disperse demonstrators after crowds gathered in the area. Earlier, members of the Shia community staged a protest outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) headquarters in Srinagar after news of Khamenei’s death in US- and Israel-led strikes surfaced.Protesters carried his portraits, waved black flags and raised slogans condemning the attacks. Traditional mourning chants were heard during the demonstrations. Authorities said the situation remains under close watch, with security stepped up as a precautionary measure.
