'He was our lion… more will rise' — Israel-Iran war escalates; supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei killing mourned, deplored, protested in Lucknow

LUCKNOW: Protests and mourning were held across the city on Sunday after reports reached of Iran leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being killed in a US–Israel strike. Thousands of members of Shia community assembled at Chhota Imambara and Bada Imambara, raising slogans and holding mourning processions.

Crowds gathered early morning near Chhota Imambara and marched towards Bada Imambara, covering nearly 2 kms through Old City. Many carried photographs of Khamenei, while groups performed mourning processions (maatam) and recited elegies. Men and women were seen weeping openly during the procession. Police maintained heavy presence in the area and remained on high alert across the state to prevent any untoward incident.


Protester Ansarul Hasan, said, "Those who are given to treachery have killed him. America and Israel will be remembered for this."

Another protestor Naqi Haider said, "For a long time we hoped the news was not true. Martyrdom is not our weakness; it is our strength. Our leader Khamenei chose honour."

Hundreds of women joined the protest and marched towards Bada Imambara carrying photographs of the Iranian leader. Amreen Rizvi, said, "They killed Khamenei through deceit. He was our lion and will remain so forever. If one Khamenei is killed, thousands more would rise." Religious leaders appealed for calm while condemning the reported strike. Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali termed the attack a violation of international norms and urged people to maintain peace.

Shia cleric Maulana Saif Abbas Naqvi said the development had shocked Muslims worldwide and warned that the conflict could widen in the region. All-India Shia Personal Law Board announced a three-day mourning period and its general secretary Maulana Yasoob Abbas said black flags would be hoisted at homes and daily majlis would be held in memory of Khamenei.