Lucknow, March 2 -- As news of the death of Iran's Supreme Leader broke early Sunday morning, people began gathering in huge numbers in Old Lucknow with pictures of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and black flags in protest against Israel and the United States. Lucknow is known for its sizeable Shia population. Members of the Shia community staged protest marches and held mourning gatherings across parts of western Uttar Pradesh. Demonstrators voiced anger against the United States and Israel while calling for global peace and harmony.

Families of those staying in the Gulf were worried because the region's airspace was closed.

The Uttar Pradesh Police sounded a statewide alert following protests. Director general of police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna s...