States told to be alert, monitor protests over Khamenei’s killing

States across the country are maintaining caution and closely monitoring the situation after Shia mourners took to the streets to express grief over the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US-Israel strike.

The Centre has advised state governments to remain alert against “possible violence”.

A senior state government official told The Tribune that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked states to stay vigilant in view of developments in West Asia and to identify pro-Iran radical preachers allegedly delivering inflammatory speeches.

Meetings have been held with state police chiefs and heightened caution is being observed in line with the Centre’s advisory, the official said.

“The situation is being closely monitored. We are maintaining caution,” the official added. No incidents of violent protests or action against any preacher had been reported at the time of filing this report.

In a letter circulated to all states on February 28, the MHA asked authorities to keep vigil on social media activity linked to extremist elements and global terror group handles.

The ministry advised states to ensure that no law-and-order situation arises, warning that global developments could have domestic ripple effects through rhetorical statements.

The circular also directed states to increase security at US and Israeli consulates, embassies and other diplomatic establishments within their jurisdictions to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain peace and tranquillity.

On March 1, Shia mourners held demonstrations in several parts of the country following reports of Ayatollah Khamenei’s death in the strike.