NEW DELHI: Protests broke out in different parts of India on Sunday over the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei in the US-Israeli air assault unleashed against Iran on Saturday.

Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar Farouq expressed outrage at the targeted aggression by US-Israeli forces. In the southern Karnataka state and in parts of Hyderabad protesters took to the streets to protest the death of the leading Shia cleric.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi called the targeted killing of Ayatollah Khamenei despicable and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of betraying India’s foreign policy opposed to the violation of sovereignty of friendly countries.

“Deeply saddened and outraged at the brutal killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel that has shaken the Muslim world. The people of JK collectively condemn this brutality and the ongoing aggression against Iran, as well as the massacre of innocent girl students in Minab,” Mirwaiz Umar Farouq said in a message.

“In this hour of immense sorrow, our hearts beat with the resilient people of Iran. May Allah grant strength to the oppressed, elevate the martyrs, and bring swift justice to those responsible for this outrage.”

Calling for unity, Mirwaiz said: “This is a moment for the Ummah to rise above divisions and stand united and register our protest and solidarity against this killing and the continued aggression in the region. Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU) has called for a complete strike tomorrow. We urge the people to observe it with unity, dignity, and complete peacefulness.”

The Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), the largest conglomerate of Islamic religious organisations in the occupied Kashmir, in a joint statement, expressed profound grief and condemnation over the brutal assassination of Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, describing it as a blatant act of aggression by the US and Israel that has shaken the conscience of the Muslim world. “In this hour of immense grief , the people of Jammu & Kashmir stand in heartfelt solidarity with the leadership and people of Iran”.

MMU termed these developments as deeply disturbing, warning that such reckless acts of aggression threaten to further destabilise the region and endanger global peace.

In held Kashmir large demonstrations were reported in Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama.

Tens of thousands of protesters were seen beating their chests in mourning and chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the developments in Iran and appealed for calm amid widespread protests.

In Lucknow, scores of people gathered near the Bara Imambara mosque and shouted slogans during the protest, with women mourners clinging to the Iranian leader’s photo and weeping.

The Shia community has declared a three-day mourning, during which people will wear black, hoist black flags at their homes and organise special prayers, Abbas added.

East Punjab, which has a minuscule Muslim population, saw protests and effigies being burnt in Ludhiana. Shahi Imam Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi, who led the protest, demanded that the central government declare a week-long national mourning.

Rehmani urged Muslims worldwide to unite against such challenges, terming Khamenei a great martyr and condemning his killing in the strongest terms.

The Shia community in Ajmer also announced a three-day mourning over the killing of Khamenei. The announcement was made by Syed Asif Ali, a community leader, who appealed to members of the Shia community to observe mourning and refrain from celebrations during the period.

Published in Dawn, March 2nd, 2026