Protests in Kashmir over Nasrallah's killing

SRINAGAR: Srinagar city and adjoining areas, particularly Shia localities in Kashmir valley, saw widespread protests against the killing of Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah for the second day Sunday.

Spontaneous shutdowns were seen across many areas, including Budgam , Baramulla, Bandipora and Srinagar, while PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and NC MP Syed Rahullah and Peoples Conference functionary Imran Ansari called off their campaign for the final phase of assembly elections. NC candidate for Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone, also cancelled his campaign.

BJP criticised the PDP chief for showing solidarity with Nasrallah and accused her of supporting terrorists. Former Union minister Anurag Thakur said NC, PDP, and Congress are aware of the situation in Gaza, but are unable to see what’s happening to Hindus in Dhaka.

Large demonstrations were reported from Budgam town and dozens of localities in north Kashmir. Protesters shouted slogans against Israel.

Hundreds of women also joined the demonstrations. “I am yet to reconcile with what has happened. I am in a state of shock and despair, and I feel short of words to describe my feelings,” said Shaafia, a protester.

Addressing a late-night protest march in Budgam, MP Ruhullah said: “He sacrificed his son for the sake of the resistance, then he called for participation in the resistance, he attained martyrdom in the path of resistance, may we all meet the same fate as Nasrallah.”