On Sunday morning in Lucknow, thousands of young men, women, and children from the Shia community took to the streets to protest against the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Marching from Chota Imambara to Bada Imambara, the crowd expressed their dissent. The community labeled the attack by Israel and America as a cowardly act and oppression. Chants like 'How many Khameneis will you kill, every home will rise with a Khamenei' echoed, and scenes of people weeping were also noticed.
With Holi and Ramadan coinciding, the heightened sensitivity has prompted the administration to deploy five companies of RAF and PAC. Police monitor every nook and corner with drone cameras to maintain law and order.
A female protester reflecting on Khamenei's death said, "Those who have betrayal in their blood killed Khamenei by deceit... If one Khamenei is killed, a thousand will rise... Israel and America are deceitful..."
Reacting to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, Shia religious leader Maulana Saif Abbas from Lucknow remarked - "Yesterday's attack by Israel and America is deemed a terrorist attack. Today, it has plunged the entire Gulf into war, and you can see the situation in the Gulf. The world must recognize how America and Israel are spreading bloodshed, hatred, and terrorism globally... Khamenei was not the leader of one nation; he was a leader to every oppressed, every Muslim, and every human being... No one knows where this ongoing conflict will lead. But I am certain that Iran will triumph."
A Wave of Mourning and Protest on the Streets
From morning itself, the historical district of Chota Imambara in Old Lucknow observed a somber environment. Protesters mourned with pictures of Ayatollah Khamenei, asserting that he was not just a leader of Iran but a beacon for all Islam and justice. The anguished Shia community loudly protested against America and Israel, calling this attack an act against humanity.
Drones and Heavy Forces for Security
Amid the tension between Holi and Ramadan, the police face a heightened challenge. According to DCP Western Vishwajeet Srivastava, strong security measures have been implemented to control the situation. Sensitive areas have five companies of PAC and RAF stationed. Continuous drone surveillance ensures law and order is maintained. The police have explicitly warned that any attempt to disrupt peace will not be tolerated.
Maulana Kalbe Jawad's Call for Shutdown and Mourning Gathering
Leading Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad expressed profound grief over the incident, urging the Muslim community and those who cherish humanity to keep their businesses and establishments closed. He announced a large mourning gathering at Chota Imambara at 8 PM, followed by a candlelight march. Maulana called on Shias nationwide to hold simultaneous mourning gatherings. In Lucknow, a three-day mourning period will be observed.
Source: aajtak
The Challenge of Maintaining Communal Harmony
The regions around Thana Sahadatganj and the entirety of Old Lucknow resonated with agitation and mourning. The Shia community perceives this incident as an attempt to suppress their faith and justice. The police administration remains in close contact with religious leaders to ensure peaceful protests. Observing the upcoming candle march, route diversions and additional security measures are being prepared.
It is notable that Shia communities across several districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Sambhal, Jaunpur, Amethi, Barabanki, and Aligarh, have unitedly showcased their anger against America and Israel with protest chants.
