Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday sharply criticised the Government of India for not condemning the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel. Mufti accused New Delhi of remaining silent on what she called a grave international incident that has hurt sentiments across communities.
At a protest in Srinagar, Mufti burnt posters of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu to symbolise her opposition to the strikes and denounce the leaders she blamed for the violent escalation. She held up portraits of Khamenei during the event, framing the demonstration as an expression of solidarity with those mourning his death.
Addressing the media, Mufti said the past “five to six days” of attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran which reportedly resulted in Khamenei’s death — had generated deep grief and anger among people, including in India. She claimed that peaceful expressions of dissent against the strikes had been met with tough responses from authorities, with many demonstrators, including women, allegedly detained.
Mufti questioned the central government’s stance, saying she could not understand why India had not condemned the attack or expressed condolences to the Iranian people. Her remarks underscored a broader criticism from some opposition voices in India who have called on authorities to respond more openly to international developments, particularly those involving large-scale conflict and civilian harm.
In a statement posted on her X account, Mufti wrote that she stood “in peace with those who stand in peace with you, and in opposition to those who oppose you, until the Day of Judgment,” underlining her alignment with protesters who view the strikes as unjust.
The protest followed earlier demonstrations from members of the Shia community in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, who gathered carrying portraits of Khamenei and banners supporting Iran. These events were largely peaceful, though some also involved the burning of effigies and slogans highlighting anger against foreign policies perceived as hostile to Iran.
Mufti’s action is part of a growing political debate in India over how the central government should respond to the West Asia conflict, with other opposition leaders also urging Delhi to take clear positions, condemn violence and initiate debate on the matter in Parliament.
