POONCH, MARCH 3: The entire town of Poonch ground to a halt Tuesday with a complete shutdown called by the Shia Muslim community to grieve the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes.
Protesters vented fury against the U.S. and Israel, with black flags waving and traditional mourning cries echoing through streets. Police and CRPF went on high alert district-wide, patrolling sensitive spots and manning key junctions to keep the peace—no major clashes reported so far.
Tensions linger after Srinagar saw tear gas dispersals Monday and protests outside UNMOGIP headquarters. Authorities in Poonch and the Valley are watching closely, urging calm amid the raw emotions
