Ayatollah Ali Khamenei death draws Shia condolence meetings and protests in Bhopal and Betul

Members of the Shia community in Bhopal held a condolence meeting after Zohr prayers and later staged a protest march condemning Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, organisers said. Clerics spoke about his role in Islamic thought and opposition to oppression. A separate candle march and condolence gathering took place in Betul.

Members of the Shia community in Madhya Pradesh held condolence events on Sunday. The gatherings condemned the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Organisers reported a mass meeting and protest in Bhopal. A candle march also took place in Betul. These events followed confirmation from Iranian state media on Sunday.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Saturday. The strike was described as a joint Israel-US attack on Iran. The report led to mourning and protests in several places, including India. Community leaders in Bhopal and Betul linked the death to wider concerns. They criticised the United States and Israel.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condolence meeting and protest in Bhopal

In Bhopal, a condolence meeting took place after Zohr prayers. The venue was the Ale Mohammad Shia Jama Masjid in Karond. Imam Bankar Hussain addressed the gathering. Imam Bankar Hussain said Khameneis martyrdom and contribution to Islam would always be remembered. Imam Bankar Hussain added that Khamenei spoke against oppression.

Imam Bankar Hussain said the leader carried forward Islamic revolution principles. Imam Bankar Hussain said history showed movements outlive individuals. Another cleric, Imam Syed Azhar Hussaini, also spoke at the meeting. Imam Syed Azhar Hussaini stated that Khamenei had never discriminated against people. Imam Syed Azhar Hussaini referred to sect and community differences.

After the meeting, more than 100 community members marched in protest. Participants raised slogans against the United States and Israel. The march followed the prayers and condolence address. Organisers described it as a condemnation protest. The action formed part of the larger mourning response seen after the reported killing.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei candle march and condemnation meeting in Betul

In Betul, organisers said a candle march began from Masjid-e-Mehdi. The group moved through Main Chowk and then Lalli Chowk. The march ended at Jai Stambh Chowk. There, participants held a condemnation meeting. Organisers said the meeting was held at the end point of the march.

Cleric Sayyid Sitwat Haider Zaidi addressed people at Jai Stambh Chowk. Sayyid Sitwat Haider Zaidi said the attack by the United States and Israel reflected cowardice. Khamenei was not hiding in a bunker but was in his office. He was a brave man and a personality who raised the voice of truth, Zaidi said.

Zaidi said the Islamic community viewed the attack as condemnable. Zaidi added that Khamenei spoke against oppression in several conflicts. Zaidi cited Gaza, Syria and Palestine. Zaidi said the martyrdom occurred during the month of Ramzan. Zaidi called it a major shock for the world and humanity.

Iranian state media confirmed the death on Sunday, according to reports. The confirmation triggered mourning and protests in different parts of the world. In Madhya Pradesh, Shia community members held meetings and marches. Clerics described the death as linked to opposition to oppression. Events in Bhopal and Betul ended with condemnation gatherings.

With inputs from PTI