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Kargil On The Streets For Tehran: The Rise And Reach Of The Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust

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The Commune
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The Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT), a Kargil-based religious organisation founded in 1989, has repeatedly come under public attention in recent years for organising protests and rallies linked to Iran, Palestine, and Shia religious causes. Between 2023 and 2026, the Trust has played a central role in multiple demonstrations across Ladakh, prompting questions about its leadership, activities, and ideological orientation.

14 January 2026 Protest in Kargil

On 14 January 2026, a large protest was held in Kargil district of Ladakh under the leadership of the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust in support of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Thousands of local Shia Muslims participated in the demonstration, raising slogans against the United States and Israel.

The rally was organised under the banner of IKMT and led by its president Sheikh Sadiq Rajai. The demonstration began after congregational prayers at the Jama Masjid, Kargil, following which men, women, and youth marched through the main streets carrying placards and banners.

Participants alleged that the United States and Israel were interfering in Iran’s internal affairs and accused the US of causing hardship to ordinary Iranians through economic sanctions, while claiming that Israel was being openly supported in its policies against Iran.

The protest drew attention in the context of ongoing unrest inside Iran over inflation, unemployment, state repression, and protests in which more than 3,000 people have reportedly been killed.

Background and formation of IKMT

The Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust traces its origins to events following the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini on June 4, 1989.

According to the Trust’s records, news of Khomeini’s death led to the spontaneous closure of markets and establishments in Kargil. Black flags were hoisted on public institutions, Imambaras, and mosques. For 40 consecutive days, mourning assemblies (Majlis-e-Tarheem), Azadari, and Quranic recitations were held in a large pavilion in Kargil town.

The then Iranian Ambassador to India, Ibrahim Rahimpur, participated in the Chehlum (40th-day mourning ceremony). Following the conclusion of the mourning period, a meeting of Muslim youth was convened at Titichumik, near Kargil.

 

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Around 500 youth attended the meeting, where it was unanimously decided to establish an organisation to preserve and promote the principles and values associated with Ayatollah Khomeini. This led to the formal establishment of the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust, Kargil, with an ad-hoc executive body and a signed resolution.

The stated objective of the Trust is to uphold the principles outlined in Khomeini’s last will and testament, particularly the unity of the Muslim Ummah and support for oppressed Muslims worldwide.

Key details of Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust
  • Name: Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT)
  • Formation year: 1989
  • Legal status: Registered Trust
  • Headquarters: Kargil, Ladakh

Key Members

  • Sheikh Muhammad Hussain Zakiri – Founder and Chief Patron
  • Asgar Ali Karbalai
  • Sheikh Muhammad Mohaqiq
  • Sheikh Sadiq Rajai – Chairman

Subsidiaries and affiliated bodies

  1. Mutahhary Educational Society
  2. Baqiria Health Care & Research Centre
  3. Zanabia Women Welfare Society (Women’s Wing)
  4. Basij-e-Imam (Volunteers)
  5. Jamia-e-Zahra Women’s College (affiliated with Al-Mustafa International and Aligarh Muslim University)
  6. Jamia-e-Imam Khomeini Boys College (affiliated with Al-Mustafa International and Aligarh Muslim University)
  7. Lujnat-ul-Khaira
  8. Baseej-e-Rohani
  9. Voice of Ladakh (regional newspaper)
  10. Media Cell IKMT
  11. Bazm-e-Adab (Poetry Wing)
  12. Khawja Ghulam-us-Sayidain Library
Protests and Demonstrations Organised or Supported by IKMT (2023–2026)

#1 Demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule – 18 October 2025 – Kargil, Ladakh

IKMT supported a march organised by the Kargil Democratic Alliance and the Leh Apex Body, demanding full statehood, inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, and the release of detainees, including Sonam Wangchuk.

#2 Protest in support of Gaza – 7 August 2025 – Kargil, Ladakh

IKMT organised a protest rally in solidarity with Gaza. The march began at Zainabiya Chowk and concluded at Jamia Masjid Kargil, with participation from men, women, children, students, and elders. Schools under the Mutahhary Educational Society and students from Jamiat Fatima Zahra, Jamiat Imam Khomeini, and Aawa Academy Delhi participated.

 

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#3 Protest Against Media Campaign Targeting Ayatollah Khamenei – 29 July 2025 – Kargil, Ladakh

The Baseej-e-Imam unit of IKMT organised a protest against what it termed a “malicious and defamatory media campaign” targeting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protesters raised slogans including “Death to America,” “Death to Israel,” and “Death to Godi Media.”

#4 Protest over killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah – 29 September 2024 – Kargil, Ladakh

IKMT organised a protest against the killing of Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Participants carried banners and slogans in his support.

#5 Support for ‘Batti Gul’ protest – 30 April 2025 – Kargil, Ladakh

Description: IKMT supported the nationwide ‘Batti Gul’ protest against the Waqf Amendment Act, calling it unconstitutional. Participants switched off lights from 9:00 PM to 9:15 PM.

#6 Protest Over Attack on Shia Travellers in Pakistan – 25 November 2024 – Kargil, Ladakh

IKMT led a rally condemning the killing of Shia travellers in Parachinar, Pakistan, accusing the Pakistani government and militant groups of failing to protect Shia communities.

#7 Protest against Israeli bombing of Gaza – 13 October 2023 – Kargil, Ladakh

IKMT organised a rally against Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, beginning from Imam Khomeini Tower and concluding at Lal Chowk, Kargil.

Controversies linked to IKMT

Publisher Apology Controversy – 27 April 2024 – Kargil / Delhi

IKMT pressured Acuber Books International, a Delhi-based publisher, over content in a Class 6 General Knowledge textbook that described Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as one of the “worst” historical figures. The publisher subsequently removed the content and issued a public apology.

Iran, Protests, and Broader Context

Iran has witnessed sustained protests since December 2025, beginning with shop closures in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over inflation, currency collapse, unemployment, and rising food prices. The protests later expanded into wider demonstrations against state repression and governance, with security forces using live fire in several instances. More than 3,000 deaths have been reported in recent unrest.

Earlier protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022 also led to nationwide unrest, with more than 500 deaths reported by the end of 2023.

Kargil’s Shia Connection and Iran

Kargil has a population of approximately 125,000, with 48% Shia Muslims, largely following Twelver Shia Islam. Shia Islam reached the region in the 15th and 16th centuries, including through Iranian scholar Mir Shamsuddin Araki.

The 1979 Iranian Revolution and the doctrine of Velayat-e Faqih, developed by Ayatollah Khomeini, have had a lasting ideological influence on Shia communities worldwide.

Ayatollah Khomeini’s ancestral roots are traced to Kintoor village in Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, linking his lineage to India.

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