Weeks after the US and Israel waged war on Iran and targeted its military and naval forces, the people of Kashmir are now coming forward to contribute to Iran’s aid fund.
The Iranian Embassy in India shared videos and pictures and expressed gratitude for the donations in social media posts. In one of the posts on X, the embassy wrote: “With a heart full of gratitude, we sincerely thank the kind people of Kashmir for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity; this kindness will never be forgotten.”
Kashmir participates in donation
The people of Kashmir donated cash, gold and copper utensils. According to a PTI report, a day after Eid celebrations, youth in Shia areas of the valley went door to door on Sunday collecting donations for those affected by the ongoing war in Iran.
In another post, the embassy shared a video of a Kashmiri woman donating gold mementos from her husband who died 28 years ago. The donations came nearly a week after Iran’s embassy in India released bank account details on its social media platform for the war-torn country.
The report, citing officials, said that people from all walks of life, including men, women and children, had come forward and participated in the donation drive. Officials also added that women in particular have come forward to donate generously. They donated gold jewelry, copper utensils and other valuable household items. Several families also offered their livestock.
Donations were collected, especially in Budgam and Baramulla, which have significant Shia populations. Those involved said the contributions are likely to be routed through authorized aid agencies, including the Iranian embassy, to ensure they reach those in need.
Prime Minister Modi talks to the Iranian President
Amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has plunged the region into a wider and renewed military confrontation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday. During the phone conversation, Pezeshkian called on the Indian-led BRICS grouping to play an independent role in “stopping aggression” in Tehran.
The March 21 conversation was the second between the two leaders since tensions flared in the Middle East on February 28 after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran. According to a statement from the Iranian embassy in India, Pezeshkian highlighted “the dimensions of aggression, illegal attacks and crimes committed by the US and the Zionist regime”. He further emphasized that Tehran did not initiate the war.
During the call, Prime Minister Modi, who wished Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr Pezeshkian, expressed concern over the escalation of tensions in the Middle East. PM Modi also condemned “any attacks on energy infrastructure” in the region, adding that they pose serious threats to global food and energy security. He further emphasized the need to protect the Strait of Hormuz and maintain unhindered maritime traffic through the Persian Gulf.
Earlier, PM Modi also spoke to several leaders in the region, including those from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.
