Srinagar Muharram procession shows solidarity with Palestinians in defiance of IIOJK authorities
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a thousand-strong 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar transformed into a show of solidarity with Palestinians, with mourners defying authorities by waving Palestinian flags and chanting anti-Israel slogans.
According to Kashmir Media Service, IIOJK authorities have strictly prohibited pro-Palestinian demonstrations since the Israeli attack on Gaza, even closing the historic Jamia Masjid multiple times to prevent support for Palestine.
The traditional 8th Muharram procession began at Guru Bazar, passed through Jehangir Chowk and ended at Dalgate in Srinagar. Many participants waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans supporting Palestine as they marched through the city center. Numerous young people wore badges depicting Palestinian flags.
Ali Saffudin, one of the mourners, stated, “Karbala teaches us to stand up for truth and against oppression. Gaza has become a modern-day Karbala where Israelis are killing Palestinians. It is our duty to support them, and this is the least we can do.”
Aamir Ali, another participant, emphasized that the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza has compelled people in Kashmir to break their silence and speak out.
Earlier, Aga Syed Muhammad Hadi, a prominent Shia cleric with a substantial social media following, had called for supporting Palestinians during this year’s Muharram ceremonies and processions. Hadi said, “If we don’t express our solidarity with the suffering people in these ceremonies, all of these gatherings will lose their purpose.”
Main Muharram processions on the 8th and 10th were banned after the armed struggle against Indian occupation began in the early 1990s, as authorities feared they would turn into big anti-India demonstrations. The ban on the 8th Muharram procession was lifted last year after 35 years, but strict conditions were imposed, including prohibitions on anti-India speeches or activities and flags with slogans or images of pro-Palestinian organizations.
