The manner in which Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in an Israeli attack and the subsequent killing of 160 innocent schoolgirls in an American air strike have resonated deeply in Punjab.
From political parties to civil society organisations and farm unions, several sections of Punjabi society have expressed solidarity with the people of Iran.
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha, on March 6, paid tribute to Ayatollah Khamenei as well as to the innocent schoolgirls who were killed in the bombing by Israel and the United States. MLA Sukhwinder Sukhu, who introduced the motion of condolence, described it as a great humanitarian tragedy.
Congress MP Dr Dharamvir Gandhi also posted on his social media opposing the US–Israel attack on the sovereign nation of Iran. People in Ludhiana, Punjab, took to the streets to protest against the assassination of Khamenei. Protests were also held in Panjab University.
On March 9, a delegation of Akali Dal Delhi leaders, led by Paramjit Singh Sarna, visited the Iranian Embassy to pay tribute to Khamenei and offer their condolences over his assassination.
Several farm unions and student organisations have also carried out protests in solidarity with Iran.
One of the reasons Khamenei’s assassination has resonated in Punjab is the centrality of martyrdom in both Sikhism and Shia Islam.