delhi-sees-protests-over-khamenei-killing-security-tightened

Protests have erupted in several parts of the national capital after the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting authorities to tighten security at vulnerable spots.

Even as the protests remained largely peaceful, security was heightened across several parts of Delhi with additional police personnel deployment in sensitive areas, particularly around diplomatic missions and localities with significant Shia populations.

Members of the Shia community under the All-India Shia Council banner gathered at Jantar Mantar to register their protest. Visuals showed groups of people outside the Iran Cultural House in Delhi, where a meeting was scheduled to mark Khamenei’s death. Some protesters were also seen raising slogans in parts of Jor Bagh, expressing grief over the Iranian leader’s death.

A senior police officer said adequate security arrangements had been put in place to ensure law and order. “We have deployed additional forces as a precautionary step. The situation is peaceful and under control. We are monitoring social media and ground inputs closely,” the officer said.

Barricades were placed in certain stretches near the protest sites to regulate movement and local police teams were assisted by paramilitary personnel for maintaining vigil. Shia mourners took to the streets in several other pockets, including Seelampur, on Sunday to express grief over the death of Khamenei. “We are in touch with community leaders and organisers. So far, there has been no report of violence or damage to property,” another officer said.

Members of the All-India Shia Council assembled at Jantar Mantar, where people dressed in black as a sign of mourning. As the crowd built up, Shia clerics addressed the gathering from an elevated platform. Slogans of ‘America Murdabad’ and ‘Netanyahu Murdabad’ echoed through the protest site.

 

An effigy was also carried through the crowd. By the time it reached the end of the gathering, it appeared damaged. Soon after, people began lighting candles. A candle march was organised from a nearby ‘dargah’ to the nursery area in Jor Bagh, covering about one kilometre.

 

A senior police officer said all necessary arrangements had been made. “We have deployed additional forces as a precautionary step. The situation is peaceful and under control. We are monitoring social media and ground inputs closely," the officer said.