Protests erupt in Kashmir following killing of Hezbollah Chief; politicians suspend campaigning : Valley Vision

Dozens of protesters gathered in various areas across Kashmir, mourning the death of Nasrallah while expressing their anger and solidarity with the militant group. Several political leaders have suspended their campaigning activities before the upcoming elections. 

As soon as the news of Nasrallah’s killing broke on Saturday, many protesters including women and children took to the streets. They chanted slogans that condemned the killing, anti-Israel, call for justice and the end of oppression.

“We protested in solidarity with the resistance group who is supporting Palestine and is anti-Israel,” said Amir Ali, a protester from Srinagar. 

He further said, “It [Hezbollah] has respect in our community. Because they fight against oppression and injustice. We are united against oppression, no matter where it comes from.”

Another protester, Yawar Abass, told Maktoob that they were protesting because Nasrallah was among the very few who supported Palestinians. “He stood against the Zionist regime and the oppression. We are mourning his death,” he said. “This is not just about Hezbollah, and the protests are not being held in Kashmir only but across the world as  it affects us all.”

“The martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah feels like a personal loss as if I have been orphaned. To me, Sayyed was not just a leader but an ideology, a living embodiment of resistance, hope, and unwavering courage,” said Amjad Ali, Srinagar’s Habba Kadal.

“His teachings have instilled in me, and countless others, the will to stand against oppression, no matter the cost. His legacy will not die with him—it lives within us.”

He added, “And for as long as that legacy endures, we will be ready to sacrifice everything for Palestine and the dignity of the Muslim world.”

“His ideology lives on, and so does our resistance,” said Ali.

After the protests, sources said many of the people who participated in the peaceful demonstrations were beaten by the government forces in Srinagar’s Rainawari. A minor boy’s head was bleeding profusely after he was beaten by the forces, shows a video accessed by Maktoob. 

The political landscape in Kashmir has shifted dramatically after the news of Nasrallah broke. Prominent politicians, including Mehbooba Mufti of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Aga Ruhullah Mehdi of the National Conference (NC), suspended their campaign activities. 

Mehbooba tweeted and said, “Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza especially Hassan Nasarullah,”

She added: “We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance.”

NC’s Mehdi after hearing the news tweeted, “Calling off my campaign.”

The city’s former mayor, Junaid Azim Mattu, said, “Heartening that many leaders including Mehbooba Mufti and Aga Ruhullah have called off their campaigns in solidarity with Shaheed Hassan Nasrallah and the martyrs of Lebanon.”

He added: “I hope the other Former CMs and Aspiring CMs find their respective spines and do the same.”