Kashmi, Feb 08 : Kashmir Shia protest Islamabad attack: Community holds candle march, demands justice
Members of the Shia community in Jammu and Kashmir organised a candlelight march to mourn victims of a deadly suicide bombing at a mosque in Pakistan’s capital, expressing solidarity with those killed and calling for accountability.
The attack, which targeted worshippers during Friday prayers, claimed at least 31 lives and left 169 people injured, according to authorities cited in media reports.
Demonstration held in Baramulla
The procession took place along the Srinagar–Baramulla National Highway in the Hanjiwera area, where participants gathered to denounce the violence and honour those who lost their lives. Marchers raised slogans condemning terrorism and urged Pakistani authorities to ensure that those responsible face punishment.
One demonstrator said the gathering was meant to protest the killing of innocent people inside a place of worship and to press the Pakistan Army to bring the perpetrators to justice.
‘Attacks on Shias not new,’ say protesters
Participants noted that sectarian violence has repeatedly targeted the Shia population in Pakistan over the years. Several speakers warned against attempts to intimidate or marginalise the community, asserting resilience in the face of such attacks.
Some protesters clarified that their criticism was directed at the governing system and security establishment rather than ordinary citizens, arguing that continued instability and extremism have damaged the country’s social fabric.
Security tightened after blast
The demonstration followed the suicide bombing at Imambargah Khadijah-tul-Kubra in Islamabad’s Tarlai locality. Authorities have since strengthened security across the country while investigators work to trace the network behind the assault.
Officials stated that forensic findings helped track the attacker’s travel history, though initial assessments indicated he was not an Afghan national.
Shock over attack inside place of worship
Speakers at the march voiced disbelief that a religious space could be targeted, questioning the ideology that drives attackers to strike civilians gathered for prayer. The tragedy, they said, underscores the urgent need for stronger measures against terrorism and sectarian hatred.
The candle march concluded with prayers for the victims and a call for global attention to the dangers posed by extremist violence, as the community emphasised unity against acts of terror.