Protests engulfed the Kashmir Valley after reports emerged that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had died in US-Israeli attacks. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets carrying large posters of Khamenei and shouting slogans such as 'Long Live Khamenei' and 'Death to America-Israel,' indicating their deep-seated anger and opposition. This reaction signifies the impact Khamenei had in the region, particularly within the Shia community, where he was viewed as a champion of Islamic revolution and a supporter of Palestine.

The protests in Kashmir stem from profound religious and political motivations, with Khamenei celebrated as a symbol of Islamic unity and the Shia Muslim community. His support for issues affecting Kashmir has fostered a strong connection among pro-Iran groups in the region. Khamenei's popularity is particularly pronounced among the Shia population, which sees him as a leader advocating for their rights and interests in a broader geopolitical context dominated by tensions with Israel and the US.

Many protesters view the recent 'Operation Epic Fury' conducted by US-Israel as an attack on Islam, especially targeting the Shia Muslim community. Reports indicate that over 40 Iranian leaders, including Khamenei, were killed in this operation, further escalating tensions in the Middle East. These events, coupled with historical ties between Iran and the Kashmir conflict, have intensified the fervor of the protests, highlighting the complexities of local and international geopolitics that resonate profoundly in Kashmir.