• Source:JND

In the wake of the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, protests broke out in parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. Reports indicate that Khamenei died in the early hours of Saturday after the US and Israel launched joint military strikes across various locations in Iran.

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Saddened Over The Death Of ‘Marja-e-Taqlid’

Agitations erupted in parts of Srinagar, Sonawari, and Bandipora, where hundreds of youths raised slogans condemning the killing and expressing rage over Khamenei’s death. Shia Muslims in Kashmir took to the streets carrying portraits of the leader and banners supporting Iran. Protesters marched with black flags and performed traditional mourning chants (Nauha) as a mark of solidarity.

According to ANI, one protester remarked that the community was devastated by the news of the "brutal killing" by the US and Israel. "For the Shia Muslim community in Srinagar, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was more than a foreign political leader; he was a Marja-e-Taqlid (a Source of Emulation)," they stated.

Omar Abdullah Appeals for Calm 

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for calm on Sunday amid the widespread demonstrations. In a post on X, Abdullah wrote, "I'm deeply concerned about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest."

He further emphasised the right to mourn, stating, "We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures."

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Mehbooba Mufti Lambasts US-Israel Strikes 

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti also launched a scathing attack following reports of the leader's death. In a statement, Mufti described the development as a “deeply tragic and shameful point in history.” She accused Israel and the US of “boasting about the killing of Iran’s beloved leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.”

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the cleric who held theocratic power for more than three decades and steered the Islamic Republic into decades of confrontation with Israel and the US, died at the age of 86, according to Iranian state media reports early Sunday.


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