Srinagar, Mar 02: Member of Parliament Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan Monday expressed profound anguish and deep sadness over the assassination of Iran’s supreme religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing it as a deeply disturbing development that has shaken the conscience of the Muslim ummah and heightened tensions across the world.

He said the assassination of a Highly revered religious leader has deeply hurt sentiments across the Muslim ummah and called for sensitivity towards people expressing grief. He urged the authorities to exercise utmost restraint and ensure that mourners are allowed to observe peaceful and dignified mourning in accordance with law and democratic values.

He termed the unilateral military attack on a sovereign country as a dangerous escalation, stating that the joint strikes carried out by the United States and Israel violate the principles of international law and risk pushing the entire region into prolonged conflict and instability.

He also appealed to all citizens to maintain peace, communal harmony and discipline during this sensitive period.

Jammu, Mar 2: The Jammu and Kashmir government has set in motion a major expansion drive with new J&K Houses proposed in several key cities including Mumbai, Amritsar and Chandigarh to enhance accommodation facilities for officials and residents, officials said.

The creation of additional accommodation is expected to be completed in phases, subject to statutory clearances, finalisation of Detailed Project Reports and approval of executing agencies, the officials of Housing and Protocol department said.

After the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of erstwhile state of J&K into two Union Territories, assets were divided between J&K and Ladakh under the Reorganisation Act, 2019. Major allocations include the division of corporations, staff, and properties in Delhi, Chandigarh, and other locations.

The officials said the government intends to augment accommodation infrastructure on its land assets belong to the UT of J&K at various location including New Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar and Chandigarh.

An amount of Rs 36.61 crore (revised estimates) have been allocated for FY 2025–26 for seven projects in Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai and Amritsar in Punjab, the officials said, adding major allocations include Rs 20.90 crore for Dwarka, Rs 6.40 crore for Chandigarh, Rs 2.50 crore for Amritsar and Rs 1.25 crore for Mumbai, they said.

In Mumbai, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for construction of J&K Bhawan at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, is under formulation, while construction of additional structures on available vacant land is under consideration in Amritsar.

In Chandigarh, conversion of the existing SCO building into a J&K House has commenced, the officials said.

At J&K House (5 Prithviraj Road New Delhi), a redevelopment and upgradation project of the existing structure is being taken up, they said, adding drafting of Expression of Interest (EoI) is at an advanced stage of preparation.

However, the officials said as the property falls under the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone (LBZ), construction of any new structure requires approval from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The main building, being a heritage structure, cannot be altered, and any new structure cannot exceed its height as per norms. Other existing structures within nine metres of the boundary wall will have to be demolished once formal approvals are applied for, the officials said.

They said the matter is being taken up with the executing agencies to come up with the best possible execution models keeping in view the issues and the need for adequate accommodation within the complex.

At J&K House, Chanakyapuri (New Delhi), the officials said construction of new structures is not feasible due to space constraints, though redevelopment and upgradation have been carried out.

For Kashmir House, Rajaji Marg (New Delhi), redevelopment within prescribed height and zoning norms is permissible. Reconstruction of staff accommodation is being undertaken in a phased manner, and work has commenced.

In Dwarka (Delhi), construction of a new Jammu and Kashmir House on acquired land has been proposed. Various execution models are under examination and a comprehensive proposal is under preparation, the officials said.

Srinagar, Mar 2: Mobile internet speeds were throttled across Kashmir on Monday, in the wake of spontaneous protests against the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, officials said.

They said the step was taken as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in the area.

Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Saturday during a joint Israel-US attack on Iran. Iranian state media confirmed the same on Sunday, triggering a wave of protests and mourning across the world, including India.

Kashmir — which has about 15 lakh Shias — witnessed major protests at Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama, an official said.

The protesters were seen beating their chests as they shouted anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.

Officials said the high-speed mobile internet has been throttled as network speeds have been curtailed across all mobile networks in the Kashmir valley.

Meanwhile, the police have issued an advisory urging all media organisations and news platforms to exercise the highest level of responsibility and professionalism in their reporting.

“Please refrain from publishing unverified information, speculation, or rumours; ensure that all reports are confirmed through credible and authoritative sources before dissemination; and avoid sensational headlines that may create unnecessary panic,” the advisory read.

The police said responsible and accurate reporting is essential to maintain public trust and prevent misinformation.

Srinagar, Mar 2: Several parts of Kashmir witnessed protests against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for the second day on Monday, with security forces using mild force to disperse protesters in a few places.

According to the officials, the protests broke out in Bemina, Gund Hassibhat, and Jehangir Chowk areas of the city here, and in Pulwama town in south Kashmir.

Scores of protesters gathered in these areas, which have a large Shia population. They marched through the streets, raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.

In some areas, the security forces resorted to using mild force to disperse the protesters.

Khamenei was killed in joint air strikes by the US and Israel on Iran early Saturday. Iranian state media confirmed his death on Sunday.

Iran is firing missiles at Israel and the Arab countries in retaliation.