Shia Muslim communities led large-scale demonstrations in cities including Srinagar, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and parts of Karnataka. Protesters carried portraits of Khamenei, waved black flags, and raised anti-US and anti-Israel slogans such as “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” In Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, thousands gathered for mourning processions that turned volatile, with police firing tear gas to disperse crowds amid clashes.
Similar scenes unfolded in Lucknow, where Muslim organisations announced mourning and protest programmes, and in Hyderabad, where the All India Shia community condemned the strike. Demonstrations also spread to Patna and other areas, reflecting solidarity with Iran among India's sizable Shia population.
Security restrictions and clashes in Kashmir
In Jammu and Kashmir, protests continued for a second day, prompting authorities to impose severe restrictions on movement, including internet curbs in sensitive areas and the closure of schools for two days. Security forces heightened deployment across the valley, with reports of tear gas use in Srinagar and other districts like Budgam and Baramulla. Local leaders, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, appealed for calm to prevent escalation. The unrest highlighted the region's sensitivity to Middle East developments, with mourners displaying images of Khamenei alongside figures like Qasem Soleimani and Hassan Nasrallah.
MHA issues nationwide security alert
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an advisory to all states and Union Territories, warning of potential communal tensions and sporadic violence stemming from the West Asia conflict. The alert, circulated earlier but intensified amid the protests, urged vigilance against inflammatory speeches, monitoring of radical elements from both pro- and anti-Iran groups, and preventive measures to maintain public order. Authorities were directed to closely watch religious gatherings and public meetings that could invoke overseas events, emphasising the risk of ripple effects on domestic harmony.
Also read: Fresh blasts rock Doha, Dubai, Jerusalem on Day 3 of Iran war
PM Modi chairs CCS meet, extends help to Indians abroad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting to review the crisis. He directed diplomatic missions to provide assistance to the over nine million Indians in the Gulf region, including evacuation support if needed and round-the-clock aid. Emergency helplines were activated by embassies in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, and other affected countries, advising citizens to avoid non-essential travel and follow local advisories.
PM Modi speaks to Netanyahu
In a key phone call, PM Modi discussed the regional situation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Modi conveyed India's deep concern over recent developments, emphasised the priority of civilian safety, and called for an early end to hostilities through dialogue and diplomacy. He reiterated India's support for de-escalation and restraint, while also holding talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to thank him for protecting the Indian diaspora and underscore the need for peace.
MEA bats for peace and restraint
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement expressing concern over the Iran developments and urging all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid further escalation, and prioritize civilian protection. It stressed respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, advocating dialogue to resolve underlying issues and prevent wider instability in the region.
Airlines cancel and reroute flights
The spreading conflict disrupted air travel significantly. Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo cancelled or suspended numerous international flights to and from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Qatar, and other Middle East destinations due to airspace closures. Air India extended suspensions until late Monday, while IndiGo cancelled over 150 flights on March 3. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued safety advisories, leading to rerouting over safer paths, delays, and operational alerts at major airports like Delhi, where over 100 flights were affected.
As protests tapered off by evening, authorities remained on high alert.
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