Pro-Iran protests in Kashmir, Mirwaiz, Mehbooba Mufti condemn Israeli aggression

Srinagar: Protests erupted in some of the Shia dominated areas of Kashmir on Saturday opposing Israel and the US attack on Iran. Protestors raised pro-Iranian slogans and in support of the Iranian regime.

The protests took place in Srinagar, Baramulla and Budgam districts where men and women from the Shia community took out protests carrying pictures of Iranian Supreme leader Ali Khamenei. “Shias are not scared of martyrdom. We are with Rehbar Khamenei and out on streets in solidarity with them,” said a female protester at Magam of Baramulla in northern Kashmir.

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said that Iran is facing yet another act of aggression by Israel. “A nation that has long stood as a defining voice of the Muslim world draws its strength from unshakable faith and conviction. No missile or menace can extinguish its sovereignty or break its spirit,” said Mufti. She prayed for the protection of Iran and its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.


Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who was placed under house arrest, also condemned the attack on Iran by Israel. “Lack of international accountability for Israel’s aggression in the region, especially with regard to Palestinian’s, has emboldened it to act with impunity, in such a wilful manner. With the US, Israel has now pushed the region toward a perilous escalation that risks igniting a wider regional conflict in the Middle East and destabilising global peace and security,” said Mirwaiz. He prayed for Iran and the whole region that is bearing the brunt of this aggression.

Meanwhile, Indian students currently in Iran have reiterated the appeal to the Government of India especially External Affairs Ministry to ensure their safe and secure evacuation from the country. “Airstrikes are going on here and we request GoI and EAM of our country to speed up the process of evacuation. There is chaos and uncertainty here,” said a student in a video message from Tehran. As per unofficial estimates from education consultants, over 2000 students from India are doing MBBS in Iran, of which over 60% are from J&K. Besides students, hundreds of pilgrims and businessmen from Kashmir and other parts of India frequently travel to Iran every month.

“We are concerned over recent reports of explosions in Tehran as tensions escalate between Israel and Iran. We urge the External Affairs Minister to take immediate and proactive measures to safeguard all Indian citizens in the region,” said Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, president of J&K, All India Medical Students Association.