Kashmiris donate for Iranians' cause

Srinagar: The people of Kashmir have donated cars, motorcycles, personal jewellery items, copper utensils and even land to support Iran in its war against the United States and Israel.

People across the spectrum, including some non-Muslims and a major section of the Shia community, have responded to the call for donations made by the Iranian Embassy.

“This is a humanitarian response to express solidarity with Iran in whatever way we can. We have protested the aggression of Israel and the US and now people are donating in every small way they can,” Aga Mujtaba of Anjuman-e-Shari Shian told ET.


The donations have been either transferred directly to the accounts provided by the Iranian embassy or organisers are transferring cash on behalf of donors to these accounts. “Gold ornaments, copper utensils and other items are taken to shops for exchange of cash which is then deposited in the given account,” said Mujtaba.

Some in financial distress have contributed by giving away their utensils. “People across faiths are coming forward to support Iran,” Imran Ansari, former minister and leader of Shia Association, told ET, adding that “donation is in crores”.

A young man from Ganderbal has put his Royal Enfield bike on sale to donate money for Iran. Another person has put his car on sale. A woman sold electronic kitchen items while another gave a share of jewellery she had kept for her daughter’s marriage.

Budgam PDP MLA Aga Muntazir has announced that he will donate a month’s salary to Iran.

People at the Imambaras and masjids where the donations were collected were emotionally charged and often raised pro-Islam and pro-Iran slogans to appreciate participation in donations.

"We are paying heed to the call from our leadership in Iran. We are ready to even give our blood and lives for the country which is fighting the evil forces like Israel and US," said Sajad Hussain, a local on Budgam who was part of he donation campaign.