According to PTI, thousands of people took to the streets in several parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama. The protests were largely concentrated in areas with a sizeable Shia population.
Officials told PTI that demonstrators marched peacefully while raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans. Similar protests were reported from pockets of Jammu, including Bhatindi on the outskirts of Jammu city and Chanderkote in Ramban district.
#WATCH | Women and children of the Shia Muslim community mourn the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the Bathindi area of Jammu pic.twitter.com/sMfREqiU6z
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026
In Pattan, protesters carried posters of Khamenei and chanted slogans condemning the strikes. A demonstrator told ANI, “Today, our beloved leader, Ali Khamenei, was brutally martyred. This mourning procession is going on peacefully in the city centre.” ANI reported that black flags, banners supporting Iran and traditional mourning chants (Nauha) were seen during the procession.
There are an estimated 15 lakh Shias in the Kashmir Valley.
Religious Leaders Condemn the Strike
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chief priest of Kashmir, said he was deeply saddened and outraged by the killing. In a post on X, he described it as a brutal act that had shaken the Muslim world and said the people of Jammu and Kashmir stood in solidarity with Iran.
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… pic.twitter.com/ZsstuE4yUo
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) March 1, 2026
He urged unity among Muslims and called for peaceful protest. The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), an amalgam of religious organisations, announced a complete strike on Monday, March 2, and appealed to people to observe it peacefully.
Jamiat Ahli Hadith leader Mohammad Maqbool also condemned the killing.
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Shia cleric Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad criticised the United States and Israel, calling the strike “cowardly.” He described Khamenei as a leader who supported the oppressed and announced three days of mourning, urging voluntary closure of shops and participation in a candlelight march.
Maulana Yasub Abbas said Iran would respond and added that the community was not afraid of martyrdom.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Appeals for Calm
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for calm as police reviewed the law-and-order situation.
Abdullah said in a post on X that he was deeply concerned about developments in Iran and urged all communities to maintain peace and avoid actions that could create tension. He also said those mourning in Jammu and Kashmir should be allowed to grieve peacefully and that the police and administration should exercise restraint.
I’m deeply concerned about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest.
We must also ensure that…— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) March 1, 2026
He added that his government is in close coordination with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of residents of Jammu and Kashmir, including students currently in Iran.
A police official told PTI that senior officers had reviewed the security situation and directed district police to closely monitor developments and ensure peace.
Protests in Lucknow and Other States
In Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow, members of the Shia community held mourning marches and raised slogans against the United States and Israel. Speaking to ANI, a protester said, “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.”
#WATCH | Lucknow, UP: Shia community people put up posters and black flags outside their houses and buildings in the Chowk area, mourning the death of Iranian Supreme Commander Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. pic.twitter.com/UeVGdxSbbI
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026
In Bareilly, All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use India’s diplomatic relations with the US, Israel and Iran to prevent further escalation. He said dialogue, not war, was the way forward.
India’s Shia community leader Syed Samar Kazmi told ANI that Khamenei was targeted for raising his voice on Palestine. “He was killed only because he raised his voice for the killings in Palestine while the world was silent,” he said.
Protests were also reported in parts of Ladakh, where members of the Shia community held peaceful mourning marches condemning the strike.
#WATCH | Leh, Ladakh: Shia Muslims take to the streets to protest against the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has been killed in Israeli and US strikes pic.twitter.com/Zc4WNaOnUB
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026
In Punjab, Shahi Imam Maulana Mohammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi led a protest outside the historic Field Ganj Masjid, where a large number of Muslims gathered to condemn the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to PTI, protesters burned an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demanded that the Indian government observe a week-long national mourning. The demonstration remained peaceful.
In Karnataka, the Shia-dominated village of Alipura in Chikkaballapur district observed a three-day mourning. A special prayer was held at the local Shia mosque, where residents wept and paid tribute to Khamenei, who had visited the village in 1986.
Shops and commercial establishments voluntarily shut, black flags were raised, and a mourning march was taken out with people holding his photographs, the PTI reported. The village, which has a hospital named after him, suspended celebrations and public events as a mark of respect.
The Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association also issued a statement on X mourning the deaths of Khamenei’s family members and expressing solidarity with the people of Iran.
We mourn the martyrdom of the family members of Imam Khamenei. May Allah SWT grant them the highest rank among the martyrs. Our prayers are with the Leader and the people of Iran. Ya Allah, grant patience and steadfastness to the believers.
— All J&K Shia Association (@AJKSAOfficial) March 1, 2026
Iranian Embassy Lowers Flag in Delhi
After confirmation of Khamenei’s death, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi lowered its flag to half-mast as a mark of respect. Members of the Shia community gathered in mourning in several cities across India.
Developments in Iran
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Khamenei had been killed during coordinated strikes on Iran. The US described its operation as “Operation Epic Fury,” while Israel named its action “Operation Lion’s Roar.”
The strikes reportedly targeted multiple areas, including Tehran. In retaliation, Iran carried out attacks on US bases in the region. The situation remains tense, with further military developments being reported.
International media outlets, including CNN and Fox News, reported mixed reactions within Iran, including celebrations in some cities.
Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi called for unity and a peaceful democratic transition in Iran.
Calls for Peace and Restraint
Across India, Muslim leaders and community groups have condemned the killing and expressed solidarity with Iran. At the same time, several leaders have called for calm and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir said they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that protests remain peaceful and that law and order are maintained.
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