Hyderabad, March 1 Members of the Shia community in Hyderabad held protests on Sunday, condemning the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the joint attacks by the United States and Israel.
A pall of gloom descended on the Shia-majority areas of the old city after it was confirmed that Khamenei was killed in the attack on Iran on Saturday.
Men and women, dressed in black, came out onto the streets in Purani Haveli, Noor Khan Bazar, Darulshifa and other areas to condemn the killing of Khamenei, who was considered the leader of the Shia community worldwide.
Carrying pictures of Khamenei, men, women, and children came out onto the roads and raised slogans condemning the killing.
Addressing the crowd, a Shia leader said that Khamenei was martyred for standing up against oppression and for refusing to surrender to the oppressors.
He added that the lack of unity among Muslims led to this tragic event.
In response to a call by Tanzeem-e-Jafferi, a Shia religious and socio-political organization, a rally was organized to condemn the killing of Khamenei.
A large number of people participated in the rally, which started from Mazhar-e-Ibne-Khatoon in Purani Haveli.
Many protesters were seen crying while displaying pictures of the slain leader.
The police have increased security in the old city as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, at the Iranian Consulate in Hyderabad, the national flag of Iran was lowered to half-mast to mourn the death of Khamenei.
Khamenei was killed in the joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran on Saturday.
Media reports said that the 86-year-old leader was killed in his office in the early hours of Saturday.
According to Iranian media, Khamenei's daughter, granddaughter, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law were also killed.
Iranian Defence Minister Amir Nasirzadeh and Revolutionary Guards Commander Mohammad Pakpour were also reportedly killed in the attacks.