Kashmiri Shia Muslims shout slogans during a protest against Israel following the killing of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, in Srinagar September 28, 2024
Reuters
Srinagar: Protests erupted in several areas of Kashmir following the death of Hezbollah supremo Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli air strike in Lebanon.
The assassination of Nasrallah — confirmed by both Israel and the Lebanese militant group on Saturday, a day after the massive air raid that killed him — triggered a wave of grief among his followers in Kashmir.
Thousands took to the streets in Shia-dominated areas of Srinagar and the Budgam district. Protesters chanted anti-Israel and anti-US slogans while holding pictures of Nasrallah. The demonstrations remained peaceful, with police deployed to maintain order.
64-year-old Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for over three decades, is regarded as a significant figure, particularly within the Shia community globally. In Kashmir, he is seen as a “symbol of resistance.”
Long traffic jams were reported from several parts of the city, including the Khanyar-Hazratbal axis, where most of the protests took place.
Kashmiri Shia Muslims hold a flag of Hezbollah during a protest against Israel following the killing of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, in Srinagar September 28, 2024
Reuters
Following Hezbollah's announcement of Nasrallah's death, J&K former Chief Minister and president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti also suspended her election campaign scheduled for Sunday, the last day of campaigning for the 16 seats in north Kashmir, which are set to vote on October 1.
Mehboob expressed her solidarity on X, stating, “Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza especially Hassan Nasarullah. We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance.”
Indian security personnel work during a protest by Kashmiri Shia Muslims against Israel following the killing of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, in Srinagar September 28, 2024
Reuters
Similarly, Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, who was canvassing for National Conference candidates, announced on X that he was also calling off his campaign to honor Nasrallah's legacy.