Security tightened in Delhi after Shia protests over Khamenei's killing in US-Israel strikes

• Delhi tightens security after protests over Khamenei's killing
• Shia groups held marches and raised slogans against US and Israel
• 104 Delhi flights canceled due to West Asia tensions, airspace closures

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Protests broke out in several parts of the national capital after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint strike allegedly carried out by Israel and the United States. Police tightened security across Delhi as groups gathered to mourn his death and raise slogans against the two countries.

Members of the All India Shia Council assembled at Jantar Mantar, where people dressed in black as a sign of mourning. As the crowd grew, Shia clerics addressed the gathering from an elevated platform. Slogans of “America Murdabad” and “Netanyahu Murdabad” echoed through the protest site.

VIDEO | Iran-Israel conflict: Delhi witnesses protest at Karbala, Jorbagh, against the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Syed Ali Khamenei. (Full video available on https://t.co/dv5TRAShcC) pic.twitter.com/rFiVV1F7dP

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 1, 2026

“It is an attack against the United Nations (UN) charter and humanity. One country is doing as they wish. They (US) are trying to divert attention from the Epstein issue," a protester was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

An effigy was also carried through the crowd. By the time it reached the end of the gathering, it appeared damaged. Soon after, people began lighting candles. A candle march was organised from a nearby dargah to the nursery area in Jor Bagh, covering about one kilometre.

Voices of anger and grief

Religious leaders and community members strongly condemned the attack. Mohseen Taqvi, the Imam of the Jama Masjid, addressed the gathering and said, “Khamenei sahab has been martyred. Donald Trump (US President) is not just against Iran, he is against humanity. No one wanted this. Not even Americans. It’s just Trump. Look what he is doing to our own country. We are being told what to buy, where to buy."

Among the participants was Zama, a 30-year-old software engineer from Noida, who joined the candle march. “Ayatollah was the only one speaking against injustice. He was the only one standing against Israel, and he has been silenced. Most people in Iran are still in support of Ayatollah. The protesters are just one percent,” Zama was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

Visuals from the city also showed small groups gathering outside the Iran Cultural House in Delhi, where a meeting had been scheduled to mark Khamenei’s death. Some protesters were seen raising slogans in parts of Jor Bagh, expressing sorrow and anger.

Tight security across Delhi

As a precaution, security was increased in several areas of the capital, especially around diplomatic missions and localities with significant Shia populations. Barricades were placed near protest sites to manage movement, and paramilitary personnel assisted local police teams.

A senior police officer said that all necessary arrangements had been made. “We have deployed additional forces as a precautionary step. The situation is peaceful and under control. We are monitoring social media and ground inputs closely," the officer said as quoted by news agency PTI.

Another officer added, “We are in touch with community leaders and organisers. So far, there has been no report of violence or damage to property."

According to reports, Khamenei, 86, was killed in a major air strike targeting his compound in downtown Tehran. State media in Iran confirmed his death following the attack, which was reportedly carried out jointly by Israel and the United States.

The Middle East tensions had also led to airspace closures and flight cancellations over parts of West Asia. Around 104 flights to and from Delhi were cancelled on Sunday, TOI reported.

Delhi airport wrote on X that due to the ongoing political developments in West Asia, west-bound international flights may face delays or scheduled adjustments. "Passengers are strongly encouraged to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight information before heading to the airport," it added.