Protests break out in Kashmir against killing of Iranian leader Khamenei

Thousands protested across Kashmir, including Srinagar, condemning the US-Israel strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Shia-majority areas held peaceful marches, religious leaders expressed solidarity with Iranians, and a complete strike was called by local Muslim organizations

Srinagar: Thousands of protestors took to the streets in several parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, on Sunday against the killing of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike, officials said.

The protests broke out in areas with a large Shia population, the officials said, adding the protestors marched through the streets peacefully and were shouting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.

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Iranian supreme leader Khamenei was killed in an attack by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday.

Protests were held at Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama areas of the valley, the officials said.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief priest of Kashmir, said he was deeply saddened and outraged at Khamnei’s killing.

“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,” the Mirwaiz said in a post on X.

He said people of Kashmir were in solidarity with the people of Iran.

“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,” he said.

The religious leaders said this is a moment for the Muslims to rise above divisions and stand united and “register our protest and solidarity against this killing and the continued aggression in the region”.

He said Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), an amalgam of religious organisations, has called for a complete strike on Monday.

“We urge the people to observe it with unity, dignity, and complete peacefulness,” he added.

Jamiat Ahli Hadith leader Mohammad Maqbool also condemned the killing.

There are around 15 lakh Shias in Kashmir valley.