Amid deadly protests against Iran’s theocracy and US threats to intervene militarily in the country, peaceful demonstrations in support of the Islamic republic were held in several places in Kashmir after Friday congregational prayers.
Several Shia-dominated areas in Srinagar, Pulwama and Budgam witnessed demonstrations as agitators raised slogans in favor of Iran and against the US and Israel, they said.
The demonstrations remained peaceful, officials said.
On Thursday, January 15, activists claimed that a bloody crackdown by authorities in Iran killed at least 2,637 people, a week after Iran was cut off from the world following nationwide protests challenging the country’s theocracy.
Rally in Srinagar
In Srinagar, rallies were held near Hassanabad’s Nehru Park and the city’s Gund Hassi Bhat localities to express solidarity with Iran and its Supreme Leader Syed Ali Khamenei.
Demonstrators voiced their support and condemned what they called “external pressure” and “interference” against Iran.
The agitators carried banners and placards and raised slogans in favor of Iran and its leadership and against the US and Israel.
Similar protests were witnessed in Main Chowk of Budgam in central Kashmir and in Gangoo area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Speaking to reporters in Pulwama, the Shia leader said the US and Israel along with their allies were “committing atrocities” on Muslims around the world.
“Mossad and CIA agents are attacking security forces and innocent people in Iran. We have gathered to protest the atrocities of America and Israel,” he said.
The people of Kashmir want to say to the US and Israel that “we are alive and Muslims all over the world are always ready to support their Muslim brothers”.
