Indian state assembly observes silence for Iranian schoolgirls, Khamenei
Punjab Assembly in India observes silence for Iranian schoolgirls and Ayatollah Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes, rare move by state legislature
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Lawmakers in the northern Indian state of Punjab observed a moment of silence inside the state legislature to honor Iranian schoolgirls and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who were killed during recent United States–Israeli strikes on Iran.
The tribute was offered at the opening of the Punjab Legislative Assembly’s budget session, making Punjab the only Indian state so far to formally acknowledge the deaths within a legislative chamber.
According to The Wire, an independent Indian news outlet, members of the assembly stood in silence for several minutes in memory of more than 160 schoolgirls reportedly killed in an airstrike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in the Iranian city of Minab, as well as Khamenei, who died in the same wave of attacks on Feb. 28.
The strikes triggered a wider regional confrontation across the Middle East and West Asia, raising concerns about escalating conflict and civilian casualties. Iranian authorities later held mass funeral ceremonies for the schoolchildren on March 3, with thousands of mourners gathering in Minab.
Video footage from the Punjab Assembly session circulated widely on social media, drawing attention from users across the Middle East who praised the gesture of solidarity.
The moment of silence was proposed by Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi, a legislator from Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who represents the Banga constituency in the Nawanshahr district. Addressing the assembly, Sukhi described the killings as an “inhuman incident” and urged fellow lawmakers to honor those who died.
Sukhi said that beyond political differences, civilian deaths—particularly those of children—should be universally condemned. Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan subsequently asked members of the house to observe silence in memory of the victims.
In comments later reported by Indian media, Sukhi said his decision to raise the issue reflected a broader moral responsibility to speak against violence regardless of where it occurs. He also referenced the political legacy of Kanshi Ram, founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party, whose ideology emphasizes resistance to oppression.
The gesture comes as India’s central government has taken a cautious diplomatic stance following the assassination of Khamenei. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not immediately comment publicly on the killing. On March 5, however, India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi and signed a condolence book on behalf of the Indian government.
Meanwhile, communities across India—particularly among Shia Muslims—held prayer gatherings and mourning ceremonies in several cities including New Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Kargil and Srinagar following Khamenei’s death.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
