From to , Shia mourners poured onto the streets across India on Sunday, expressing grief and anger following reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader, , was killed in a joint US-Israel airstrike in Tehran.
Iranian state media confirmed that Khamenei was killed on Saturday during an attack allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel. The news sparked protests and mourning in several parts of India and around the world.
Protests in Kashmir
In Kashmir — home to an estimated 15 lakh Shias — large demonstrations were reported in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk and Saida Kadal, as well as in Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama. Protesters beat their chests and raised slogans condemning the US and Israel.
Chief Minister expressed deep concern over the developments and urged people to maintain peace.
In a statement posted by his office, Abdullah appealed to all communities to remain calm and avoid actions that could trigger unrest. He also said the government is coordinating with India’s Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety of Jammu and Kashmir residents, including students currently in Iran.
National Conference chief described the incident as deeply distressing and called on authorities to handle the situation sensitively, allowing people to mourn respectfully.
Separately, Hurriyat Conference chairman said he was “deeply saddened and outraged,” condemning what he termed aggression against Iran.
Mourning Across States
In , large crowds gathered near the Bara Imambara in Lucknow, raising slogans and holding photographs of Khamenei. Women were seen weeping during the protest.
Maulana Yasoob Abbas, general secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, announced a three-day mourning period. He said community members would wear black, hoist black flags at their homes and organise special prayers. Effigies of US President and Israeli Prime Minister are also set to be burnt during protests.
In , demonstrations were reported in Ludhiana, where Shahi Imam Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi led protesters demanding that the central government declare a week-long national mourning.
The Shia community in Ajmer also announced a three-day mourning period. Condolence meetings were held at local shrines in Dorai and Taragarh, where prayers were offered for the late leader.
Protests and slogan-shouting were also witnessed in New Delhi and in parts of Bihar, Jharkhand and Telangana.
Silence in Karnataka Village
In contrast, a village in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka observed silence. Shops and commercial establishments remained voluntarily closed, and residents announced a three-day mourning period.
Villagers said Khamenei had visited Alipura in 1986. All celebrations and public events were suspended to maintain peace.
Meanwhile, several devotees from Jodhpur were reported stranded in Dubai after return flights were cancelled following regional tensions near Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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