SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir

A delegation of religious leaders from Kashmir met Iran’s ambassador in the Indian capital of New Delhi on Friday, expressing solidarity with Tehran amid escalating tensions following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Led by chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the delegation conveyed condolences and support for the Iranian people during talks with Ambassador Mohammad Fathali.

“The martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has deeply saddened the people of Kashmir,” the delegation said, while condemning what it described as a war imposed on Iran by the United States and Israel.

It also highlighted long-standing cultural ties, noting that Kashmir has long been referred to as “Iran-e-Sagheer” (Little Iran), reflecting the enduring bonds between the two peoples.

In a related development, lawmakers protested against the war imposed on Iran and disrupted proceedings at the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in Srinagar on Friday, chanting slogans and condemning developments in Iran.

The region's top elected official, Omar Abdullah, condemned the US-Israeli aggression on Iran and urged New Delhi to step up diplomatic efforts to help restore peace.

Omar's National Conference party colleague Tanvir Sadiq said: “We strongly condemn the ongoing aggression and stand in solidarity with the people of Iran.”

Opposition lawmaker Waheed Para added: “Kashmir shares the grief of the Iranian people and extends full support in this hour of crisis.”

Beyond politics, solidarity has taken up the shape of grassroots fundraising across the region.

Residents and community groups have collected money and essential supplies for humanitarian support.

“People are contributing whatever they can—money, food, clothes, utensils, and gold jewelry," said a local organizer.