Shia Muslims protest Khamenei's killing in Lucknow, Hyderabad, Srinagar, Bhopal

• Kashmir slows high-speed mobile internet after Khamenei protests
• Protests in Shia areas after Khamenei's rumored death
• Police urged media to avoid unverified news and sensationalism.

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Thousands of Shia Muslims poured onto the streets across India on Sunday, expressing outrage and grief over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint military strike by the United States and Israel.

According to reports from Iranian state media on Sunday, the attack took place in Tehran, also claiming the lives of the Ayatollah’s daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. The development triggered mourning globally, with particularly strong reactions in regions of India with significant Shia populations.

Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

In Kashmir, the heart of the protest was Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk, where demonstrators converged carrying red, black, and yellow flags. Witnesses reported that protesters, bearing portraits of the slain leader and Iranian flags, climbed the iconic clock tower, with some singing eulogies while others wept.

Protests were also reported in the districts of Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama. Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir imposed strict restrictions on Monday, sealing Lal Chowk as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order following the widespread demonstrations.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also addressed the situation. His office released a statement expressing deep concern over the unfolding developments in Iran, including the reports of Khamenei’s killing. He appealed to all communities to remain calm and "avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest."

The protests extended to the high-altitude region of Ladakh, where mourners, dressed predominantly in black and carrying portraits of the leader, marched through the major towns of Leh and Kargil. In Kargil, religious organisations announced a seven-day mourning period, including two days of processions to denounce the military action. Condolence gatherings are expected to continue for 40 days at the Jamia Masjid in Kargil.

Uttar Pradesh

In Uttar Pradesh, widespread anger was visible in the old quarters of Lucknow. Hundreds gathered at the historic Rumi Gate and near the Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara mosques.

Describing Khamenei's "martyrdom" as a huge loss to humanity, protesters condemned what they termed the "cowardly" act by the US and Israel. Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad announced three days of mourning, appealing to the community to place black flags atop their homes and keep shops shut.

Similar demonstrations emerged in Jaunpur, Muzaffarnagar and Aligarh, where a large number of people, including students from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), gathered to protest. Police officials confirmed that all gatherings across the state remained peaceful.

Madhya Pradesh and Telangana

In Madhya Pradesh’s capital, Bhopal, a condolence meeting was held after Zohr prayers at the Ale Mohammad Shia Jama Masjid in the Karond area. Addressing the gathering, Imam Bankar Hussain stated that Khamenei's "martyrdom" and his contribution to Islam would always be remembered.

Meanwhile, in Hyderabad’s Purani Haveli area, a protest rally organised by the Shia religious organisation Tanzeem-e-Jafferi saw a large turnout of men, women and children clad in black, raising slogans against the US and Israel.

Karnataka

A unique expression of solidarity reportedly emerged in Karnataka's Alipura village, a location the Iranian leader reportedly visited in 1986. In a spontaneous tribute, shops and commercial establishments remained voluntarily closed, with villagers declaring a three-day mourning period.

All celebrations and public events have been suspended to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the village, underscoring the personal connection the community felt with the deceased leader.