Mass Mourning and Protests Break Out in India After Khamenei’s Death
Indian Shia communities mourn Ayatollah Khamenei’s death as protests spread, condemning US–Israel actions.
Protests have erupted in multiple parts of India after the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in what Iranian state media and other outlets said were joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel. The demonstrations, largely organised by members of the Shia Muslim community, have taken place in urban centres from Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir to Lucknow and Hyderabad, drawing thousands of participants expressing grief and anger over the news.
In Srinagar, thousands of people, including women and children, marched through city streets on Sunday, gathering at Lal Chowk and surrounding areas while chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Demonstrators carried portraits of Khamenei and black flags, with many also reciting traditional mourning hymns and calling for unity in the face of what they described as aggression. Authorities partially suspended mobile internet services and closed educational institutions for safety reasons amid the large gatherings, though there were no immediate reports of violence.
Similarly, hundreds of protesters in Lucknow took to the old city area, with men, women and children clad in black and holding pictures of the late leader. Organisers and participants condemned the reported strikes by the US and Israel, accusing them of international aggression and lamenting Khamenei’s death as a profound loss for the Shia community. In Hyderabad, smaller demonstrations saw Shia groups assemble in several old city neighbourhoods, voicing similar sentiments and demanding solidarity with Iran and broader Muslim communities.
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Beyond street protests, community organisations have announced observances of mourning. In some regions, leaders declared a three-day mourning period, urging people to refrain from celebrations and participate in prayer meetings and condolence gatherings. In parts of Rajasthan and other states, condolence meetings and symbolic tributes were also reported.
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, appealed for calm, urging residents and demonstrators alike to express their grief peacefully and avoid actions that could lead to unrest. His office emphasised coordination with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to address safety concerns for citizens, including students currently in Iran. Political leaders in the region also postponed scheduled activities to honour the gravity of the situation.
The protests in India reflect broader regional reactions to Khamenei’s death, which has prompted demonstrations and official responses across South and West Asia. Governments and community groups alike are navigating an intricate mix of domestic sensitivities, international outrage, and calls for de-escalation following one of the most consequential developments in Middle Eastern geopolitics in recent years.
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