A significant protest was held in Kargil, Ladakh on Sunday, September 29, 2024, organized by the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT). The demonstration was in response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah during Israeli airstrikes in Beirut. Protesters, holding banners and chanting slogans in support of Nasrallah, expressed their anger against Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, where tensions have sharply escalated.
Nasrallah, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, was confirmed dead by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), who announced, “Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world.” His death is seen as a major blow to Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran, which has been in continuous conflict with Israel. In retaliation, Hezbollah vowed to continue its “holy war” against Israel, further intensifying the volatile situation in the Middle East.
The Kargil protest was just one of many across the region, as similar demonstrations occurred in parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar and Budgam. Participants, including children, joined in condemning the Israeli strikes, with black flags and anti-Israel slogans dominating the gatherings. Political leaders also chimed in on the situation. Mehbooba Mufti, the chief of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), suspended her election campaign, posting on social media that she was standing in solidarity with the “martyrs of Lebanon and Gaza, especially Hassan Nasrallah.” Mufti’s move drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with leaders accusing her of supporting terrorism and using religion for political gains.
Omar Abdullah, vice president of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), refrained from commenting directly on Mufti’s decision but reiterated his opposition to the bombings in Gaza and Lebanon, urging global leaders to push for peace in the region.
Also read: Saudi Crown Prince Dismisses Palestinian Cause Amid Crackdown
The protests and political statements have brought the Israel-Hezbollah conflict into sharp focus in India, with concerns over how the conflict’s ripple effects could affect the already delicate situation in the region. As tensions rise, the situation remains fluid, with Israel issuing warnings to Iran and Hezbollah promising continued resistance. The international community is closely watching for any potential escalation that could further destabilize the Middle East.