West Asia Conflict: Protests erupted in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir after Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Israel-US joint strikes.
The protests took place in Srinagar, Sonawari, and Bandipora where men and women from the Shia community took out protests carrying pictures of the Iranian Supreme Leader.
“Shias are not scared of martyrdom. We are with Rehbar Khamenei and out on streets in solidarity with them," a female protester said in Baramulla.
Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association also issued a statement mourning the death of Khamenei.
“We mourn the martyrdom of the family members of Imam Khamenei. Our prayers are with the Leader and the people of Iran," the outfit said in a statement.
Earlier on Saturday, political leaders strongly condemned Israel’s strikes attack on Iran, and warned of grave regional consequences and expressed solidarity with the Iranian people.
Former Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said that her prayers were with “Iran and its resilient people as they face yet another act of aggression by Israel."
Describing Iran as “a defining voice of the Muslim world," Mufti said that the country draws its strength from “unshakable faith and conviction." She asserted that “no missile or menace can extinguish its sovereignty or break its spirit."
“May Allah’s protection surround Iran, grant courage and patience to its people, and guide its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, with wisdom and strength," she said.
Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also condemned the strike, calling it a dangerous escalation in an already volatile region.
“Strongly condemn the attack on Iran by Israel. Lack of international accountability for Israel’s aggression in the region, especially with regard to Palestinians, has emboldened it to act with impunity in such a wilful manner," Mirwaiz said in a statement.
Iran’s state television has confirmed that the Supreme Leader was killed in recent strikes, hours after US President Donald Trump announced the killing of the 86-year-old cleric he described as “one of the most evil people in History."
The daylight offensive, coordinated with Israeli forces led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, targeted the political heart of Tehran in a dramatic escalation of regional tensions.
The Iranian government also announced 40 days of mourning following the killing of Khamenei.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, a photograph of Khamenei’s body was shown to US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Following the Khamenei’s killing, Iranian National Security Council said the assassination will be the launchpad for a great uprising against the tyrants.
