J&K MLAs protest killing of Ayatollah Khamenei, stand in solidarity with Iran | WATCH
Jammu: National Conference (JKNC) MLAs staged protests both inside and outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, expressing solidarity with Iran following the killing of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike.
JKNC MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the party and the J-K government stand united with Iran, calling for condemnation of the attacks. Speaking to reporters, he said, "We are standing in solidarity with Iran. The entire National Conference and the entire government of J&K are standing with them. Just like CM Omar Abdullah condemned the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in civil society earlier, similarly today we are all standing here."
Sadiq emphasized that the killing of Khamenei was a violation of international norms and described it as an act no nation should undertake against another sovereign state.
Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also condemned the ongoing West Asia conflict, asserting that regime change cannot be achieved through military force. He said, "The people of Iran must be the ones to decide their own leadership, without external interference. I condemn the killing of Khamenei and his family. What law gave America and Israel the right to do this?… I also urge the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to let the situation worsen."
Tensions in the region escalated after the US and Israel carried out joint military strikes on Iran on February 28, resulting in the death of 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior leaders of the Islamic Republic. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone strikes against US bases in the Gulf and Israel, which disrupted global energy markets. The Tehran-imposed blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for 20–25 million barrels of crude oil and gas per day, has further intensified the global energy crisis.
JKNC leaders have urged India’s top leadership to take a strong stand against such unilateral attacks and support the Iranian people in this critical moment.