Numan Bhat & Mehroob Mushtaq
SRINAGAR: In a show of support, hundreds of Kashmiris gathered in the streets on Sunday to protest the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and voice their outrage at Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Protests broke out in several towns and cities across the Muslim-majority region, revealing strong feelings about the situation in Palestine.
The protests were marked by slogans condemning Israel and calls for justice for the Palestinian people. Demonstrators, including men, women, the elderly, and youth, waved banners and chanted slogans, expressing both grief and anger. Many saw Nasrallah’s death not just as the loss of a leader but as a blow to the entire resistance movement against oppression.
“Hassan Nasrallah has been a symbol of resistance against tyranny,” said Syed Burhan, a local protester. “His killing is a message to all of us who oppose injustice. We stand with our brothers and sisters in Palestine.” His words resonated with many participants who believe that the conflict in the Middle East is part of a broader struggle that affects Muslims worldwide.
The protests were not spontaneous; they were organized by various religious and political groups in the region. Several leaders suspended their election campaigns as a mark of protest against the violence perpetrated by Israel. “We cannot continue with our political activities when our brothers are suffering. This is a time for solidarity and compassion,” said Uzma Ali, during a rally in Srinagar.
The atmosphere during the protests was charged with emotion. Participants shared stories about how the conflict in Gaza had impacted their families and communities. Many recalled how images of destruction and loss in Palestine affected their daily lives, bringing pain to their loved ones living abroad.
“We feel the pain of the people in Gaza deeply. Every life lost is a tragedy, and Nasrallah’s death only adds to our grief. We are here to raise our voices against oppression,” said Ishfar Ali, a university student participating in the rally. His words reflected how the younger generation in Kashmir is increasingly engaged with global issues and feels compelled to show their support for the Palestinian cause.
Though peaceful, the protests delivered a powerful message against the backdrop of rising tensions in the region. Participants emphasized that they were exercising their democratic right to protest against what they perceived as ongoing aggression and human rights violations. “We are not just protesting Nasrallah’s death; we are protesting against the killings of innocent civilians in Gaza. Our hearts bleed for them,” said one protester, reflecting the sentiments of many who attended the rallies.
Religious leaders in Kashmir played a crucial role in mobilizing people for the protests. Many delivered sermons during Friday prayers condemning the violence in Gaza and calling for justice for Palestinians. “Our faith teaches us to stand with those who suffer,” said one local cleric. “The killing of Hassan Nasrallah is a reminder of the broader struggle against oppression faced by Muslims globally.”
As the protests unfolded, social media amplified the voices of the demonstrators. Videos and images of the rallies quickly spread across various platforms, garnering support from other regions and countries. Many people outside Kashmir expressed their solidarity with the protests and shared their thoughts on the importance of standing up against injustice.
Throughout Kashmir, the protests remained peaceful, with no reports of violence or unrest. Men, women, and youth all participated in the demonstrations, unified by a common cause. The people of Kashmir made their message clear: they stand with Palestine and will continue to speak out against oppression, wherever it occurs.
Multimedia Team: Mehroob Mushtaq, Numan Bhat, Syeda Sakeena and Suhaib Ibn Rafiq
Twitter: @NumanBhat1, @MehroobM, @suhaibibnrafiq, @syedasakeena76
—–
Have you liked the news article?