In the heart of Kashmir’s busiest market, thousands gathered to mourn the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Many here called him Agha Jan with real love.

Shops fell silent, as owners pulled down their shutters and walked into the streets. Portraits of the Iranian leader floated above the crowd, ringed by black flags and raised fists. Prayers resounded between the concrete shops. The place that usually buzzed with buying and selling turned into a public space of sorrow and firm belief.

Women stood side by side, many in black, pressing his photo to their chests. Tears ran down their faces as they sang sad songs of loyalty, sacrifice and faith. Their voices trembled and rose together, and the grief felt close to home.

Some beat their chests in mourning, others lifted their hands in prayer and asked God to give him a place among the martyrs.

Men who run shops and lead local groups cried without shame. They hugged one another and spoke of Agha Jan as a teacher and protector. A few called him a father who gave clear words in hard days.

Children stood next to them, watching their elders weep and trying to make sense of why this faraway figure mattered so much to their families. One boy held a small poster and asked why a leader who stood up for the weak had to die like this.

Imams led joint prayers right there on the road. Lines of men bowed together on the asphalt, turning the market into one big place of worship. The call to prayer mixed with chants that blamed the killing and praised the leader’s strength.

This open........

© Kashmir Observer