Aligarh/Lucknow, March 2 (NationPress) A demonstration took place at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in response to the passing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with students convening to voice their sorrow and frustration.

Community members also united with the students in their protest within the university grounds.

One protestor shared with IANS, “I spent nine years in Iran. After the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, we protested in the afternoon and again at night. We will persist in our protests for such martyrs. We will raise our voices wherever there is injustice.”

Expressing powerful sentiments, another protestor stated, “The manner in which Ali Khamenei has been martyred sends a message to Israel and the US that their cowardly strikes on Iran won’t erase it. Iran will remain resilient and respond decisively. Khamenei demonstrated that he would never submit.”

Another individual participating in the protest remarked, “We are here to protest Khamenei’s death. He was a champion for humanity.”

In Lucknow, particularly in the Old City area, a significant period of mourning was observed. Residents declared that markets in Purana Lucknow would remain closed for three days. The historic Bada Imambara also closed during this time, resulting in a somber atmosphere as locals paid their tributes.

Members of the Shia community expressed profound sorrow and indignation. Posters of Khamenei adorned the Bada Imambara and Chota Imambara. Black flags were raised in mourning, and many businesses remained closed.

Additionally, Israeli and American flags were placed on the ground at the main entrance of Chota Imambara as a protest symbol, while Old Lucknow remained enveloped in silence.

On Sunday, numerous individuals throughout the Kashmir Valley, especially in Srinagar, participated in peaceful protests against the assassination of the Iranian Supreme Leader, with local political and religious leaders condemning the act and advocating for peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

Protesters marched in processions chanting slogans against the US and Israel, while security forces maintained vigilance to prevent any disruption of law and order.

The protests unfolded spontaneously in various parts of Srinagar city, Budgam district, and beyond.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his concern regarding the events unfolding in Iran, including the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

He urged all communities to maintain calm, stressing the importance of peace and avoiding actions that could incite tension or unrest.

“We must ensure that those mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are permitted to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and abstain from using force or imposing restrictions. The Government of Jammu & Kashmir is collaborating closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to guarantee the safety and well-being of J&K residents, including students currently in Iran,” he added.

In the meantime, authorities imposed restrictions across the Kashmir Valley on Monday to maintain law and order, ordering all educational institutions to remain closed for two days.

These measures aim to prevent miscreants and anti-national entities from exploiting public sentiment following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, officials stated.

Given the considerable Shia Muslim population in many areas of Srinagar city, authorities are enforcing restrictions more stringently in the old city and uptown regions.

All schools, colleges, and universities have been ordered closed for two days. Additionally, all exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday have been postponed by Kashmir University.