Kashmiris Protest Israel’s Assassination of Hezbollah Leader Nasrallah
In response to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, hundreds of Kashmiris have taken to the streets, voicing their anger against Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon.
Protests in Kashmir Against Israel
On Saturday, the streets of Indian-administered Kashmir saw a surge of protests as hundreds rallied against the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah. Protesters, carrying images of the Lebanese leader, chanted slogans like, “Oh martyrs of Palestine, we are with you!” as they marched through the region’s main city, Srinagar. The demonstrations reflect a broader outcry against Israel’s actions, with banners and signs denouncing both Israel and the United States.
Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s assassination on Saturday, following his death in the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh on Friday. The incident has dealt a significant blow to the group, which has been engaged in cross-border clashes with Israel since October.
Read More:Are Smartphones Harming Your Child’s Development? Expert Insights and Solutions
Voices of Protesters
Among the demonstrators was 25-year-old Abbas Ali, a college student from Srinagar, who expressed his frustration with the global silence on the violence in Gaza and Lebanon. “We despise the world leaders who remain silent as the bloodshed in Gaza and Lebanon continues,” Ali told Al Jazeera. He added that the protests were not only in honor of Nasrallah but also in solidarity with Palestinians and others oppressed by Israeli actions.
Amal Mirza, a 20-year-old protester, echoed Ali’s sentiments, stating, “Whatever Israel is doing, we will not stay silent. We are not afraid of dying, but of staying silent. We stand with the oppressed.”
Calls for Solidarity and Justice
Religious groups have also called for further demonstrations. The All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association (AJKSA), representing Shia communities, organized a protest on Sunday evening at Imam Bargah Zadibal in Srinagar to honor Nasrallah. Senior Shia leader Imran Ansari expressed his deep respect for Nasrallah, emphasizing the leader’s legacy of justice and compassion. “His martyrdom will not diminish our resolve to strive for justice and equality,” Ansari said.
Despite increased police presence and the criminalization of pro-Palestine protests by authorities, rallies continue to gain momentum. The protests are taking place under heightened security, particularly in Shia-majority areas.
Political Reactions in Kashmir
The killing of Nasrallah has also prompted a political response in Kashmir. Several regional leaders, including those from pro-India political parties, have paused their election campaigns in protest. Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced the suspension of her campaign in solidarity with those affected by Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
“We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance,” Mufti wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Similarly, National Conference (NC) leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, who was canvassing for candidates, halted his campaign, citing the grief of the global Muslim community. JKNC Vice President Omar Abdullah also condemned Israel’s actions, calling for international support to end the violence in Gaza and Lebanon.
A Region on Edge
Kashmir has long expressed solidarity with Palestine, drawing parallels between the Israeli occupation and its own conflict with Indian rule. The ongoing protests come at a time when tensions in the region remain high, following the revocation of Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status by India’s Hindu nationalist government in 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has moved closer to Israel in recent years, changing India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Indian companies have provided military equipment to Israel, further fueling anger in Kashmir. The current regional elections in Kashmir are the first to be held since 2014, adding another layer of complexity to the protests and political reactions.
As protests continue to unfold, Kashmir’s enduring solidarity with Palestine remains a powerful force amid its own struggle for justice and self-determination.
