Ashadi Ekadashi: Significance and controversy

Schools and colleges in Jammu and Kashmir’s Valley will remain closed until Saturday following widespread protests over the reported death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Demonstrations in Srinagar, particularly around Lal Chowk, drew large crowds, with protesters carrying black and red flags and chanting slogans against the U.S. and Israel. Amid the unrest, Meta blocked the Facebook and Instagram pages of key local newspapers, including @GreaterKashmir, @KashmirLife, and @RisingKashmir, prompting political backlash. Former CM Mehbooba Mufti criticised the censorship, calling it a violation of freedom of expression, while Sajad Lone urged Meta to restore access, highlighting the importance of media rights and independent journalism in the region.