Members of the All India Shia Council staged a protest in Poonch condemning the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in reported strikes carried out by Israel and the United States. Soon after Iranian media confirmed his death, Jammu and Kashmir’s Shia Association released a statement expressing grief over the loss of 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.” This marks the first response from religious groups in India following the news of Khamenei’s death. Visuals shared by ANI showed Kashmiri Shia Muslims holding demonstrations against the killing.
Check Live Updates Here: US-Iran War LIVE Updates: Israel Katz Says Strikes on Iran Will Continue as Long as Necessary
Meanwhile, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi lowered its flag to half-mast on Sunday after confirmation that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in coordinated strikes reportedly executed by the United States and Israel a day earlier. Iranian state media stated that his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law, and son-in-law were also among those killed, describing the incident as a major escalation in regional tensions.
The strikes were reportedly conducted under operations named Operation Epic Fury and Lion’s Roar, targeting sites linked to Iran’s leadership. In response, Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military installations in the region, significantly heightening tensions across West Asia and fuelling concerns of a wider confrontation.
Following the announcement of his death, Iran declared a 40-day national mourning period, according to Reuters citing state media. In Shia Islam, the 40th day after a person’s death, known as Arba'een, holds deep religious importance. Flags across Iran have been lowered to half-mast, and memorial gatherings are being organised nationwide to honour the late leader. The extended mourning period is also expected to give the clerical leadership time to navigate the sensitive process of succession amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.