PDP Leader Mehbooba Mufti Criticizes Indian Government Over Iran Leader's Death
Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the People's Democratic Party, has sharply criticized the Indian government for its silence regarding the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following US and Israeli airstrikes. She highlighted the grief and anger among the Shia Muslim community in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where protests erupted in response to the leader's death. Mufti's remarks underscore the growing tensions and the government's lack of response to the situation, as thousands have been detained for expressing their dissent. The protests remained peaceful, with participants showing solidarity for Iran and condemning the actions of the US and Israel.
Mar 4, 2026, 16:18 IST
Mufti Condemns Government's Silence on Khameini's Death
The head of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, expressed strong criticism of the central government on Wednesday for failing to condemn the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following the recent airstrikes by the US and Israel. During a protest, she burned posters of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu while holding up Khamenei's image. Mufti highlighted the widespread grief among people in India, particularly within the Shia Muslim and Iranian communities, noting that many have been imprisoned for expressing their dissent.
Media Remarks on the Situation
Speaking to the media, Mufti stated that for the past five to six days, Israel and the US have been attacking Iran, resulting in the death of the Supreme Leader. This has led to a surge of sorrow and anger among the populace, which she attempted to convey. Consequently, thousands, including many women, have been detained. She expressed confusion over the government's stance, pointing out that the leadership in Delhi has neither condemned the attacks nor shown sympathy towards the Iranian people.
Later, she shared her support for the protesters on her Twitter account, stating, "I stand peacefully with those who stand peacefully with you, and against those who oppose you, until the Day of Judgment."
Earlier, on Sunday, members of the Shia community in Jammu and Kashmir held a large protest outside the headquarters of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Srinagar after news broke of Khamenei's death due to the US and Israeli-led attacks.
Peaceful Protests in Srinagar
The protests remained peaceful, with participants carrying images of Khamenei and banners supporting Iran. The streets of Srinagar were filled with black flags, portraits of the Ayatollah, and traditional mourning songs (Nauha). Demonstrations also took place in Bandipora and Ramban, where protesters chanted, "How many Hussain will you kill... every home will produce a Hussain." During the protests, they also burned an effigy of US President Donald Trump.