Indian Muslim Clerics Condemn Khamenei Killing, Urge Global Intervention

Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, said the death of Khamenei -- who led Iran for nearly four decades -- was a grievous loss for the Muslim community. "This is not only a moment of grief and pain for the people of Iran, but for everyone who respected him," the Maulana said.

He alleged that the US and Israel had been targeting him for years, calling the attack oppressive and an attempt to weaken Iran's leadership. Razvi appealed to protesters in India to exercise their democratic right peacefully and ensure there was no violence or disruption during demonstrations.

Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, Chairman of the Lucknow Islamic Centre, described the strikes as a violation of international law and condemned the killing of Khamenei, whom he said had every right to defend his country. "Iran is a sovereign, independent nation, and the attack by Israel and the US demonstrates extreme brutality," he said, calling on the United Nations and the global community to intervene and halt the conflict immediately."

Shia religious leader Maulana Saif Abbas also reacted strongly, saying the US-Israel strike was tantamount to a terrorist action and should be condemned by the entire world. "The persistent actions of the United States show a pattern of interference and aggression," Abbas said, criticising global power politics and lamenting the escalation of violence.

The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- confirmed by Iranian state media -- has triggered a 40-day national mourning period in Iran amid retaliatory missile and drone strikes by Iranian forces on targets in the region, including US and Israeli assets.

The conflict has also sparked protests in parts of Kashmir and elsewhere in India, with demonstrators expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning the military action that led to Khamenei's death.

- IANS