Al-Quds Day rallies held in Kashmir, Kargil

Srinagar, Mar 28: Thousands of people thronged the streets of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district and in Kargil on the last Friday of Ramadhan, marking Al-Quds Day with a large-scale demonstration in support of Palestine.

The rallies witnessed enthusiastic participation from women and the Shia community, with passionate calls for the liberation of Masjid al-Aqsa and an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Chanting pro-Palestine slogans, demonstrators marched through Magam Bazar, denouncing what they termed as Zionist oppression. Public speakers addressing the gathering criticised the international community for its continued silence on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where, according to them, Palestinians face grave atrocities.

In Kargil, the people observed Jummat-ul-Vida as Youm-e-Quds, reiterating their unwavering support for Palestine and condemning the illegal occupation of Masjid al-Aqsa. A massive protest rally, led by Markazi Imam Jumma Wal Jamaat, Hujjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen Sheikh Ibrahim Khalili, commenced from Isna Ashriya Campus Kargil after Friday prayers. The procession passed through Main Bazaar and Lal Chowk before concluding at Isna Ashriya Chowk.

A large number of religious scholars, youth leaders, and civil society members participated, raising their voices against genocide and war crimes in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Parachinar (Pakistan). Protesters carried banners and placards reading “Free Palestine,” “Boycott Israel,” “Stop Atrocities Against Muslims,” and “Zionism = Racism,” demanding an immediate end to the occupation and the unjust siege of Gaza.

Speakers during the rally collectively condemned Israel’s continued aggression, war crimes, and systematic genocide of Palestinian civilians, asserting that the massacre of men, women, and children in Gaza is a stain on global conscience.

They called upon the United Nations and world leaders to intervene and dismantle Israel’s apartheid regime.

The rally also condemned atrocities committed in Syria by Jalani forces, denouncing their indiscriminate attacks on civilians and gross violations of human rights.

The protest concluded with a special prayer led by Sheikh Ibrahim Khalili, seeking global peace, prosperity, and communal harmony.