Kashmir to Karnataka: Massive protests hit streets after Khamenei’s death, Shia community condemns US-Israel strikes

Protesters hold portraits of Khamenei during a protest against the alleged killing of Khamenei in US-Israel strikes, at Ghanta Ghar, in Srinagar (PTI)

• Protests erupt across India after Iran's leader Khamenei killed
• Shia communities mourn Khamenei, viewing him as a spiritual guide
• Indian Muslim groups condemn US-Israel strike, plan more protests

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As tensions continue to escalate in West Asia following the death of Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike, thousands of protestors took to the streets with intense sloganeering in several cities. Many parts of Kashmir and Lucknow witnessed maximum protest with intense sloganeering.

Khamenei died following a major attack by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed early on Sunday. President Donald Trump previously announced the death, saying it gave Iranians their “greatest chance” to “take back” their country.

Why such protests in India?

For the Shia community, the Supreme Leader of Iran is not just a political figure. He is considered a Marja-e-Taqlid, or “Source of Emulation,” meaning many Shias in India, especially in Srinagar, Lucknow and Hyderabad, look to him for religious and spiritual guidance. His followers see his death not as a political killing, but as martyrdom, which holds deep meaning in Shia belief.

Kashmir to Karnataka: Shia community partake in protests

From Kashmir to Karnataka, the Shia community was seen mourning on the streets on Sunday following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, many people gathered near the Bara Imambara mosque, raising slogans during the protest while Kashmir saw a huge gathering of protestors expressing their anger and sorrow. Women were seen holding Khamenei’s photographs, crying openly, and many shouted slogans against the US and Israel regime.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday appealed for calm as police assessed overall law and order scenario amid widespread protests following the killing of Khamenei. Abdullah said his government is in close coordination with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of J-K residents, including students, currently in Iran.

The protests broke out in areas with a large Shia population, the officials in Jammu and Kashmir said, added the protestors marched through the streets peacefully and were shouting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Protests were held at Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama areas of the valley, the officials confirmed.

Scenes of extreme distraught and sloganering were also witnessed in New Delhi, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Telangana, where protesters, holding Khamenei's posters, voiced their anger against the US and Israeli military actions.

Khamenei's India connection

Long before becoming Iran’s most powerful leader in 1989, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had visited parts of India. In 1980–81, at the age of 41, he travelled to Karnataka and Kashmir in the early years after the Islamic Revolution. Years later, while meeting Indian leaders in Tehran, he spoke warmly about figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He also praised India’s religious diversity, showing a personal connection with the country, the report mentioned.

Seeing Iranian leadership as strong supporter of Palestinian cause

Many protesters see the Iranian leadership as a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and one of the few voices standing up to Western, especially US, and Israeli influence in the Middle East. Several Indian Muslim organisations have condemned the strike, calling it a violation of international law and national sovereignty. Many groups across the country have announced multiple days of mourning and have planned more protests on Monday in memory of the Iranian leader.

Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Yasub Abbas on Sunday condemned the killing of Khamenei as "very unfortunate" for the global community.

The Shia cleric, while speaking to ANI, said, "It is very unfortunate. The world thinks that by killing Khamenei, Iran will be finished... America and Israel will get a befitting reply from Iran. Today, large-scale protests and demonstrations will be carried out at Lucknow's Imambara at 8.30 PM... All India Shia Personal Law Board have announced a mourning period of three days when we all will wear black clothes and put up black flags at our houses."