Masses gathered in Kashmir to mourn Khamenei's death (Kashmir Life photo).
Leh: Scores of mourners, largely from the Shia Muslim community, took to the streets across Ladakh on Sunday to protest the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli military strike, PTI reported.
Dressed predominantly in black and carrying portraits of the slain leader, men and women marched through major towns, including Leh and Kargil, raising slogans against the United States and Israel.
The demonstrations, spread across several localities, witnessed significant participation and brought normal traffic to a halt in parts of the twin districts.
Despite the large turnout and charged atmosphere, the protests remained peaceful with no untoward incident reported from anywhere in the region, officials said.
Emotional scenes unfolded as mourners gathered to express grief and solidarity. Many described the development as a profound loss for the global Shia Muslim community.
In Kargil, religious organisations announced a seven-day mourning period, including two days of processions to denounce the US-Israel military action on Iran. Special prayers were offered for the departed leader, and the groups said condolence gatherings would continue for 40 days at Jamia Masjid Kargil.
In Leh, Anjuman Imamia and Majlis-e-Ulama said they are planning to hold a Gayibana Namaz-e-Janaza (funeral prayers in absentia), most likely on Monday, with the final schedule yet to be announced.
Authorities continued to monitor the situation while appealing to residents to maintain peace and communal harmony.
Spontaneous protests swept parts of Srinagar on Sunday after Iranian state TV confirmed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death in US-Israeli airstrikes, prompting heavy security across the Kashmir Valley.
Demonstrators marched peacefully in Saida Kadal and Lal Chowk, waving black flags, raising anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, and mourning the cleric. Traffic diversions kept order amid crowds; similar unrest hit Shia-heavy Budgam and other Valley areas, with some Sunnis joining in solidarity.