Srinagar: Amid ongoing protests in Iran against the country’s theocratic leadership and threats of possible US military intervention, peaceful demonstrations were held at several locations across Kashmir and Kargil in Ladakh on Friday, January 16, in support of the Islamic Republic, officials said.
Activists said the demonstrations came a day after claims that at least 2,637 people were killed in a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities following nationwide protests. They also alleged that Iran had been cut off from the outside world for nearly a week.
In Srinagar, rallies were organised near Nehru Park in Hassanabad and in the Gund Hassi Bhat area, where protesters expressed solidarity with Iran and its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei. Participants condemned what they described as external pressure and interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
Carrying placards and banners, the protesters raised slogans in favour of Iran and its leadership, while criticising the US and Israel. Similar demonstrations were reported from Main Chowk in Budgam and Gangoo area of Pulwama district.
Addressing a gathering in Pulwama, a Shia leader accused the US, Israel and their allies of committing atrocities against Muslims globally. He alleged that foreign intelligence agencies were involved in attacks on Iranian security forces and civilians.
He said the people of Kashmir wanted to convey that Muslims across the world stand ready to support fellow Muslims. Similar rally was witnessed in Kargil.
Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday urged the people of Iran to remain united against what she termed the “designs” of the US and Israel. She also appealed to Iran’s leadership to address the grievances of protesters.
Mufti, a former chief minister of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state, said the US has a history of intervening in other countries to secure access to their resources.
