Sambhal: Members of Sambhal's Shia community offered Eid prayers Saturday wearing black armbands to mourn and protest the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in US-Israeli strikes, with a brief verbal altercation erupting between sloganeers and police in Sirsi.
The armbands symbolized grief and solidarity during this emotional loss, allowing collective mourning alongside religious traditions.
Post-prayer, a procession featured "America Murdabad" chants as police arrived to monitor and maintain order, quickly defusing the tension. Officials confirmed Eid prayers proceeded peacefully elsewhere in the region under strict administration vigilance.
The demonstrations follow Khamenei's killing, sparking reactions among India's Muslim groups. In Shia-heavy Kashmir, large protests unfolded in Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag, and Pulwama, where crowds beat their chests and raised anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.
Lucknow saw mosque gatherings with slogans and women weeping while holding the leader's photos. Punjab's Ludhiana witnessed effigy burnings despite its small Muslim population, while Ajmer's Shias declared a three-day mourning period.
In Karnataka's Chikkaballapur—where Khamenei once visited—villagers observed silence, voluntarily shuttered shops and businesses, announced three days of tribute, and suspended all celebrations and events to ensure peace.
(Inputs from IANS)