Protests erupt across India as people march and chant against Khamenei’s killing.
Protests erupted across India after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S.–Israeli air strikes, with crowds mourning and condemning the attack.
‘A Thousand Khameneis Will Rise’: Protests Erupt Across India After Iran Leader’s Killing
NEW DELHI / SRINAGAR, March 3, 2026 – Massive protests have erupted across several parts of India following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint United States-Israel air assault on Saturday, as the widening regional conflict continues to send shockwaves around the world.
Thousands of people, predominantly from the Shia Muslim community, took to the streets in cities across the country on Sunday, chanting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans in rallies that stretched into the evening. The demonstrations reflected the deep religious and political resonance of Khamenei’s leadership among Shia communities worldwide .
In Hyderabad’s Old City, around 3,000 people participated in a protest rally organized by Tanzeem-e-Jaffery, with demonstrators carrying pictures of the slain leader and banners supporting Iran . A woman participant told ANI that people joined the protest irrespective of religion, expressing solidarity with Iran. “Today, Israel and the US martyred Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the great Islamic leader, to advance their motives.
In Lucknow, mourners held protest marches through the old city, with large numbers taking to the streets in the Uttar Pradesh capital. The All India Shia Council also held a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, raising slogans against the US and Israel .
In Bengaluru’s Alipur village, which has a significant Shia population, community leaders declared three days of mourning. An unofficial shutdown took hold across Alipura as shopkeepers and business owners voluntarily closed their doors in solidarity, with many demonstrators overcome with emotion . India’s Shia community leader Syed Samar Kazmi said the Supreme Leader was “killed because he raised his voice for the killings in Palestine while the world was silent” .
The largest demonstrations were seen in Jammu and Kashmir, where men, women and children gathered in several areas to condemn the attack. Protests were held at Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama, with black flags, portraits of the Ayatollah, and traditional mourning chants (Nauha) witnessed on the streets of Srinagar . Demonstrators also gathered outside the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) headquarters in Srinagar .
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the situation, urging demonstrators to remain calm and “avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest” . In a post on X, Abdullah said his government is in close coordination with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Jammu and Kashmir residents, including students, currently in Iran .
“We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully.
Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, described the development as a “deeply tragic and shameful point in history,” criticizing Israel and the United States for celebrating the reported killing and expressing disappointment over support extended by certain Muslim countries .
Iranian media also reported that his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter were killed in the attack . Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Minister OP Rajbhar stated that both the Central and State governments are committed to maintaining order as demonstrations continue . Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s longstanding position on peaceful resolution of conflicts, expressing grave concern over the West Asia situation and assuring that the government is working closely.