People gather to show solidarity with Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, amid rising tensions in Iran, in Srinagar on Friday. | Photo credit: ANI
After Friday (January 16, 2026) prayers, pro-Iranian regime rallies were held in parts of the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh’s Kargil.
A large rally was held in Kashmir’s Budgam where worshipers took to the streets and raised anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans. The rally was held from Budgam the Imambara to the main chowk.
Protesters carried posters of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and late leader Ruhollah Khomeini. They also raised slogans expressing solidarity and support for the Iranian regime, which has been facing protests in the country for several weeks.
Eminent Shia cleric Aga Syed Hassan, who heads the Anjuman-e-Shari Shia Budgam, also joined the gathering along with several religious leaders. “International media organizations should report the facts from Iran. The unrest has been quelled. Peace has been restored. There is a need to prevent further escalation of tensions,” Hassan said.
Former J&K chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has praised those protesting in favor of Iran in Kashmir, saying the US “routinely attacks countries in the name of restoring democracy while exploiting their natural resources”.
“I am happy that the people of Kashmir came forward to support Iran and raise their voice against what it called global injustice. Such protests should have been held all over India as well. Iran has historically been a good friend of India. But the situation has changed because of BJP’s policies,” Mufti said.
In Ladakh, hundreds of worshipers thronged many towns of Kargil, including Kargil, Sankoo and Drass, after Friday (January 16) prayers, despite sub-zero temperatures. The faithful expressed support for the Iranian regime and condemned the US and Israel.
“The people of Kargil have expressed unequivocal and unwavering solidarity with the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, and the Islamic Revolutionary System,” said Sajjad Kargili, a leader from Kargil.
He said the depth of public passion and determination conveyed a clear message because even the harshest conditions cannot silence the voice of truth and resistance. “Imperialism can take lives but it can never extinguish ideology,” Mr Kargili said.
Published – 16 Jan 2026 21:58 IST