Thousands of protestors took to the streets in several parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar city, on Sunday against the killing of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike, officials said.The protests broke out in areas with a large Shia population, the officials said, adding the protestors marched through the streets peacefully and were shouting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans.Iranian supreme leader Khamenei was killed in an attack by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed early Sunday.Protests were held at Lal Chowk, Saida Kadal, Budgam, Bandipora, Anantnag and Pulwama areas of the valley, the officials said.Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief priest of Kashmir, said he was deeply saddened and outraged at Khamnei’s killing.“Deeply saddened and outraged at the brutal killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel that has shaken the Muslim world. The people of JK collectively condemn this brutality and the ongoing aggression against Iran, as well as the massacre of innocent girl students in Minab,” the Mirwaiz said in a post on X.He said people of Kashmir were in solidarity with the people of Iran.“In this hour of immense sorrow, our hearts beat with the resilient people of Iran. May Allah grant strength to the oppressed, elevate the martyrs, and bring swift justice to those responsible for this,” he said.The religious leaders said this is a moment for the Muslims to rise above divisions and stand united and “register our protest and solidarity against this killing and the continued aggression in the region”.He said Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), an amalgam of religious organisations, has called for a complete strike on Monday.“We urge the people to observe it with unity, dignity, and complete peacefulness,” he added.Jamiat Ahli Hadith leader Mohammad Maqbool also condemned the killing. There are around 15 lakh Shias in Kashmir valley.Omar appeals for calm amid protests; police assess law and orderJammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah appealed for calm as police assessed overall law and order scenario amid widespread protests.Abdullah said his government is in close coordination with the Union Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety and well-being of J-K residents, including students, currently in Iran.”I’m deeply concerned about the unfolding developments in Iran, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader. I appeal to all communities to remain calm, uphold peace, and avoid any actions that could lead to tension or unrest.”We must also ensure that those who are mourning in Jammu and Kashmir are allowed to grieve peacefully. The police and administration should exercise utmost restraint and refrain from using force or restrictive measures,” Abdullah said in a post on X.