After confirmation of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi lowered its flag to half-mast on Sunday. Protests and mourning marches were held in several parts of India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Lucknow and Bengaluru, as members of the Shia community expressed grief and anger over his killing in joint US-Israel strikes.
Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, was a central religious and political figure in the Twelver Shia community and held deep spiritual significance for Shia Muslims around the world.
Mourning Marches in Jammu and Kashmir and Lucknow
Members of the Shia community took to the streets early Sunday morning in Jammu and Kashmir and in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Protesters carried black flags, raised slogans against the United States and Israel, and accused both countries of targeting innocent people.
In Lucknow, demonstrators gathered in large numbers and chanted slogans condemning the strikes. One protester told ANI, “They kept deceiving with talks and threatened about war, but our leader did not get afraid and did not bow. A thousand Khameneis will rise, and this war will continue. Trump cannot win easily.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association issued a statement mourning the death of Khamenei and his family members. In a post on X, the association said, “We mourn the martyrdom of the family members of Imam Khamenei. Our prayers are with the Leader and the people of Iran.”
In Alipur village near Bengaluru, community leaders announced three days of mourning to honour Khamenei.
Shia Leaders Condemn the Strike
India’s Shia community leader, Syed Samar Kazmi, strongly criticised the attack. Speaking to ANI, he said, “This is not the first time America and Israel killed their leader by deception. He was killed only because he raised his voice for the killings in Palestine while the world was silent.”
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, Chairman of the Islamic Centre of India, condemned the strikes and called for international action. He said, “Iran is an independent sovereign country and the way it was attacked is against all international laws. We condemn this in the strongest possible words and appeal to the international community to stop this war. Those responsible for the killing of Khamenei should be tried in the international court.” He also urged people in India and around the world to maintain peace.
Trump and Netanyahu Announce Strike
The announcement of Khamenei’s death came during the intervening night of February 28 and March 1, when US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the killing.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social, described Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history” and claimed that he was unable to escape American and Israeli intelligence systems.
The US and Israel said they carried out what they called preemptive strikes on several locations in Iran, including the capital Tehran. Israel named its operation Operation Lion’s Roar, while the United States called its campaign Operation Epic Fury.
In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US bases and key sites in neighbouring countries, including the UAE and Bahrain. The situation remains tense, with Israel announcing further strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile launchers and air defence systems.
Iranian Embassy Seeks Global Condemnation
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India expressed deep sorrow over Khamenei’s death and called on governments around the world to condemn the attack.
In a statement, the embassy said, “The embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India calls upon independent and freedom seeking governments around the world to strongly condemn this blatant crime and to refrain from remaining silent in the face of lawlessness and aggression.”
It added that the United States and Israel would face “grave consequences of this unforgivable crime” and said the Iranian nation would continue its path with strength and determination.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has vowed revenge and claimed it has already carried out retaliatory strikes on American bases in the Middle East.
