Muslims across country protest against killing of Iranian leader Khamenei; offer condolences, raise slogans against US, Israel

Members of the Shia community held a candle march in the national capital to condole the untimely demise of Iran's Supreme Leader.

All India Shia Council held a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, raising slogans against the US and Israel.

In Uttar Pradesh, members of the Shia community gathered at the Chhota Imambara in Lucknow to pay tribute. A massive crowd also gathered across the streets of Lucknow and raised slogans against the US and Israel.

Similar protests were also seen in Jammu and Kashmir, where men, women and children gathered outside and condemned the US and Israel attack.

Protests were also held outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) headquarters in Srinagar

The protests were peaceful, with participants carrying pictures of Khamenei and banners supporting Iran. Black flags, portraits of the Ayatollah, and traditional mourning chants (Nauha) were witnessed on the streets of Srinagar.

Members of the Shia community also held a candle march in Raipur. Similar protests also happened in Patna, Bihar, with people showing outrage against the US and Israel.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Sunday condemned the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, terming the US and Israel attack as "cowardly and inhuman".

"A respected leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed; the Iranians will definitely retaliate. While the peace talks were underway in Geneva, the attack was launched. This is a cowardly and inhuman attack. If this war continues, oil prices will rise, and even a difference of USD1 will have a huge impact on the Indian economy," he said.

All India Shia Majalis-E-Ulema-Wa- Zakireen, Nisar Hussain Hyder Agha condemned the US and Israel attack.

"We came to know about the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei afetr attack on Iran dropping over 30 bombs. We condemn this act. Protests are happening all over the world against this attack," he said.

Congress MP Imran Masood condemned the US-Israel strikes and described Khamenei as a "brave" leader whose loss is felt worldwide.

"The world has lost a brave leader. History will remember him as a brave leader, one who, despite numerous restrictions, worked to build his country. The loss of such a man is certainly very painful. Neither Israel nor America has the courage to fight face-to-face. They are killing with technology. They don't have the courage to fight on the ground," the Congress MP said.

All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi said the killing of the Supreme Iranian Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has saddened the entire Islamic community.

He alleged that the "deceitful actions" and "oppression" of the United States and Israel led to the situation, terming both nations as "cruel and tyrannical."

Speaking to ANI, "This has shocked and saddened the entire Islamic community. His passing is a loss not only for the people of Iran but for the entire community. The deceitful actions of America and Israel, and their oppression and barbarity, drove him to the brink of martyrdom. Whether it's America or Israel, both are cruel and tyrannical. "

Maulana Mohd Ali Mohsin Taqvi, Imam of Shia Jama Masjid, condemned the act, stating it's a worrying precedent where leaders can be targeted, putting countries' sovereignty at risk, adding, "the world is about to witness worse days."

Speaking to the media, "Every person in favour of justice and sovereignty of a country is deeply saddened today. The world is about to witness worse days. The President of any country can be abducted, any country's leadership can be killed with bombs. It was Iran today, tomorrow it may be Turkiye, Saudi Arabia. We are deeply saddened today", he said.

US President Donald Trump and Iranian state media confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the strikes. Iranian state media also reported that Ali Khamenei's daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were also killed.

The regional situation has reached a critical flashpoint following the execution of joint missile strikes, titled Operation Roaring Lion/ Operation Epic Fury, by Israel and the United States on Iran.

Iran has declared 40 days of public mourning following the death of their Supreme Leader.

Ayatollah Khamenei succeeded the Revolution's founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989, and his tenure was marked by consistent opposition to Western influence.

Iran has vowed "the most devastating offensive operation" against US bases and Israel in retaliation. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has pledged revenge and says it has launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US troops in West Asia, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv.

Strikes by Iran have been reported in Dubai in the UAE, Qatar's capital Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Iran said it was targeting US bases in the region. An oil tanker was struck off the coast of Oman, and airlines cancelled and diverted flights in and around the West Asian region. (ANI)