SRINAGAR, Sept 28: On Saturday, protests erupted in various neighborhoods of Srinagar in response to the reported killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. The demonstrations saw a significant turnout, with numerous individuals, including children, taking to the streets brandishing black flags. Areas such as Hassanabad, Rainawari, Saidakadal, Meer Behri, and Ashaibagh became focal points for the protests as residents expressed their outrage.
Protesters chanted slogans condemning both Israel and the United States, denouncing the actions that led to the death of the prominent leader of the Lebanon-based militant group. Witnesses noted that the demonstrations remained peaceful, with police units stationed throughout the areas to maintain order and prevent any escalation into violence.
However, the protests resulted in considerable disruptions to traffic, leading to long delays, particularly along the Khanyar-Hazratbal axis, where many of the protests were concentrated.
In light of the protests, Aga Ruhullah, a Lok Sabha member representing Srinagar, chose to suspend his election campaign for National Conference candidates. Similarly, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti announced she would halt her campaign activities the following day. On social media platform X, Mufti expressed her solidarity with the people of Lebanon and Palestine, stating, “Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon and Gaza, especially Hassan Nasrallah. We stand with the people of Palestine and Lebanon in this hour of immense grief and exemplary resistance.”
Hezbollah later confirmed that Nasrallah, one of its founding members, had died as a result of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut the previous day. In a statement, the group expressed its commitment to continue what it termed a “holy war” against its enemies and in support of the Palestinian cause.
As the situation continues to evolve, the impact of these protests reflects broader sentiments within the region regarding ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the repercussions felt in local communities.