Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti organized a significant protest in Srinagar on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The demonstration was held to protest against the alleged attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran, following the martyrdom of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During the protest, Mufti expressed her dissent by burning posters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.
Protest Details and Poster Burning in Srinagar
The protest in Srinagar saw participation from numerous PDP senior leaders and party workers. Protesters carried portraits of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and raised slogans against the United States and Israel. Mehbooba Mufti personally set fire to posters featuring Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Some posters also referenced Jeffrey Epstein, whose name has been linked to high-profile figures in the Epstein files. Sharing a video of the protest on social media, Mufti stated that she stands in solidarity with those peacefully resisting oppression and will continue her opposition until the end.
Opposition to Legal Action Against Local Representatives
During the demonstration, Mehbooba Mufti strongly condemned the registration of FIRs against Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah and Junaid Azim Mattu. She argued that the silence of the Government of India regarding the aggression against Iran and the martyrdom of its leader doesn't make those who speak out criminals, while according to Mufti, the legal cases filed against these leaders are completely unjustified and unjust. She demanded that the administration immediately withdraw the FIRs, describing them as a violation of the right to free speech.
Concerns Over Media Restrictions and Censorship
Mehbooba Mufti also raised concerns regarding the restrictions imposed on local media organizations and the blocking of social media accounts of news channels. She emphasized that expressing grievances and participating in peaceful protests are fundamental democratic rights. She alleged that the government and national authorities are targeting individuals for exercising their freedom of expression, which she claimed is contrary to democratic principles and established laws.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Calls for Release of Detainees
Prominent Kashmiri cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also reacted to the ongoing developments. In a social media post, he stated that the right to peaceful protest and the expression of hurt sentiments must be respected. Mirwaiz expressed concern over reports of protesters, including women and minors, being detained by authorities. He urged the administration to release all those detained during the protests and called for a serious review of the policy of censorship and punishment for exercising freedom of speech.
Regional Solidarity and Expressions of Dissent
The events in Iran have triggered a wave of solidarity across various parts of Jammu and Kashmir. According to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, there is a unified sense of mourning and condemnation from the Kashmir Valley to the Pir Panjal range and Jammu. He noted that the shutdowns observed across the region serve as a peaceful and powerful expression of solidarity with the oppressed. Protesters maintained that their actions reflect a vibrant moral consciousness within the society that stands firmly against suppression.