Scenes of grief, anger and emotional demonstrations in parts of New Delhi, Lucknow, Jammu and Kashmir, and Hyderabad
NEW DELHI – Massive protests broke out across several Indian cities on Sunday and Monday after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the United States–Israel attack.
The killing triggered scenes of grief, anger and emotional demonstrations in parts of New Delhi, Lucknow, Jammu and Kashmir, and Hyderabad. Protests were also reported in Ranchi and Kolkata.
In the national capital, hundreds gathered outside Jamia Millia Islamia in south-east Delhi, where students and local community leaders organised a prayer meeting and protest assembly.
Many participants held photographs of Khamenei and black flags as a symbol of mourning. A special prayer ceremony was conducted at a nearby mosque, where speakers addressed the gathering.
One student leader said, “We have come here to mourn a leader whom we believe stood for oppressed people across the world. His death is not merely Iran’s loss, but a moment of grief for many.”
Another protester said the targeted killing was a grave act of aggression and the world must not remain silent.
The gathering remained largely peaceful, though slogans criticising America and Israel were raised repeatedly. Police maintained a visible presence but did not intervene.
In Srinagar, thousands gathered at the historic Lal Chowk shortly after Fajr prayers on Sunday. Black banners and portraits of Khamenei were displayed around the iconic clock tower as demonstrators raised slogans.
“Khamenei was not just the leader of Iran, but the leader of the Ummah,” one speaker told the crowd. “Silencing his voice will not silence the truth.”
Protesters also chanted, “America and Israel are responsible for this terrorism.”
A large sit-in was staged outside the United Nations office in the Sonawar area. Participants described the strike as “an attack on Muslims worldwide” and said Kashmir could not remain indifferent.
In districts including Pulwama, Budgam, Bandipora and Baramulla, mourning processions were taken out through main markets. Youths wearing black armbands marched in silence before breaking into chants condemning what they called “state terrorism”.
In Baramulla’s central market, shopkeepers partially downed shutters in symbolic protest. In Ganderbal, a significant number of women participated in elegy recitations, carrying framed pictures of Khamenei and offering prayers.
Shiite-majority localities such as Hassan Abad and Zadibal witnessed particularly intense mourning gatherings. Imambargahs were filled with mourners reciting the Qur’an and offering special prayers.
A senior police officer in Srinagar said, “All demonstrations so far have been peaceful. However, security remains on high alert. Additional forces have been deployed at sensitive locations, and drone surveillance is ongoing.”
Leaders affiliated with groups such as Anjuman-e-Sharia-e-Shia and Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen addressed the mourners, calling for unity and restraint while condemning the attack.
One cleric declared, “Khamenei’s voice cannot be extinguished by force. Ideas do not die with individuals.”
Despite heightened emotions, authorities confirmed that there was no major law and order incident.
In Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, hundreds gathered near the city’s historic Clock Tower to register their protest. Holding photographs of Khamenei, participants engaged in chest-beating rituals traditionally associated with mourning among Shiites. Black flags and banners were prominently displayed.
One demonstrator said, “The killing of Ayatollah Khamenei is an act of betrayal.”
Another participant added, “Even if he is gone, his thoughts will remain alive.”
Prominent cleric Maulana Saif Abbas described the reported strike as “a terrorist act” during his address to the crowd. “Such actions destabilise entire regions,” he said. “The Gulf is already tense, and this will only deepen the crisis.”
In Hyderabad, demonstrations erupted across parts of the Old City, including Purani Haveli, Noor Khan Bazaar and Darul Shifa.
A protest rally organised by Tanzeem-e-Jaffari began at Purani Haveli and drew a large turnout. Men and women dressed in black marched together, many visibly emotional.
Several participants were seen weeping while holding pictures of Khamenei close to their chests. One protester said, “He stood firmly against oppression and refused compromise. That is why people respected him.”
Police imposed strict security arrangements across the Old City. Senior officers confirmed that additional personnel had been deployed, though no untoward incident was reported.
In a symbolic gesture, the Iranian national flag was lowered to half-mast at the Iranian Consulate in Hyderabad.
Following the demonstrations and in light of the reports from Iran, the Uttar Pradesh government declared a high alert across the state.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the law and order situation at a high-level meeting on Sunday morning. Officials said he instructed district authorities to maintain vigilance and ensure that protests remained peaceful.
The state’s Home Department subsequently issued directives to all districts to increase patrolling in sensitive areas and near major religious sites.
ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash stated, “Additional police forces are being deployed in Shia-majority areas and important religious locations. Intelligence units are on alert, and continuous monitoring is underway.”
Across the cities where protests occurred, the dominant atmosphere was one of grief mixed with anger. Many participants described Khamenei as a symbol of resistance and said his death had left them “deeply shaken”.
