Kargil, Mar 1: A massive mourning and protest procession was held in Kargil on Sunday following reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in attacks by the United States and Israel. The procession was organised by Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Ashriya Kargil (JUIAK).
Thousands of mourners from various villages across Kargil district gathered at Isna Ashriya Chowk early in the morning to express grief and solidarity. The procession, led by JUIAK President Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi, marched through the main bazaar with participants raising slogans such as “Hussain, Hussain is our slogan” and “Martyrdom is our pride.”
The march culminated peacefully at Inqilab Manzil (Qatilgha-e-Hussaini), where a large condolence gathering was held and special prayers were offered for the departed leader.
In a notable display of communal harmony, members of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat Kargil Committee, led by Imam-e-Jumma Molana Tasleem, joined the procession. Addressing the gathering, Molana Tasleem expressed solidarity with the Shia community and said that Khamenei had dedicated his life to the unity and welfare of the Islamic Ummah.
He termed martyrdom a matter of pride and said the late leader’s teachings would continue to inspire generations, much like the legacy of earlier martyrs.
Speaking on the occasion, Murtaza Khalili said the Muslim world was in deep mourning over the loss of a leader who, he said, carried forward the mission of Imam Hussain (AS). Referring to the last reported message attributed to Khamenei, he stated that the mission of justice and resistance does not depend on a single individual but must be upheld collectively.
JUIAK President Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi strongly condemned the incident.
He further expressed confidence that the mission would continue until the reappearance of Hazrat Imam Mehdi (AJ), adding that Almighty Allah guarantees the protection of religion and its message.
Addressing a press conference, Hujjat-ul-Islam wal-Muslimeen Sheikh Muhammad Hussain Lutfi and Sheikh Muhammad Muhaqqiq confirmed the development and paid rich tributes to the late leader. They described him as not merely an individual but an enduring ideological movement whose mission would continue.
As the day progressed, thousands of mourners entered Kargil town carrying portraits of the deceased leader, reciting elegies and participating in traditional mourning rituals. Although Hussaini Park had been prepared for the gathering, the turnout exceeded expectations, resulting in heavy crowds along Hussaini Park Road and adjoining streets.
Several prominent religious and community leaders attended the central condolence meeting, including IKMT Chairman Hujjat-ul-Islam Sheikh Sadiq Rajai, Majlis Mandubeen Convenor Alhaj Asghar Ali Karbalai, Sheikh Hamid Nasiri, Vice Chairman Sheikh Hasnain Rizwani, Sheikh Bashir Shakir, Maulana Abbas Karari, Maulana Zakir, Sunni scholar Maulvi Tasneem Arif, and Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of Kargil Dr. Jaffer Akhoond.
Speaking at the gathering, Karbalai announced seven days of continuous mourning, with processions to continue for two days. He also said condolence meetings would be organised for forty days at Jamia Masjid Kargil.
Sheikh Muhammad Hussain Lutfi extended condolences and informed followers that, in matters of religious guidance, they may continue their emulation in accordance with the rulings of Grand Ayatollah Syed Ali Hussaini Sistani or Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi until further direction from relevant religious authorities.
