Ladakh and Uttar Pradesh Witness Coordinated Pro-Iran Protests and Clerical Support
On Wednesday, a coordinated surge of pro-Iran sentiment swept through Ladakh and Uttar Pradesh. Thousands of people rallied in Kargil district, while prominent Shia clerics in Lucknow called for sanctions relief, dialogue, and Indian support for Tehran.
Massive Rallies in Kargil District
In Kargil, a Shia-majority district in eastern Ladakh bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, large crowds gathered at multiple locations. They expressed support for Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and denounced the United States and Israel.
The rally was organized by the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust. Sheikh Sadiq Rajai, the chairman of the trust, led the protest. He accused Washington and Tel Aviv of seeking to dominate the region and destabilize Iran.
"We have come out to protest against America and to stand with the brave people of Iran," Rajai said. He urged Islamic nations to unite against what he described as US "evil designs."
Demonstrators waved banners praising Ruhollah Khomeini and Khamenei. They shouted slogans in Persian and Urdu, including "down with America" and "down with Israel." Several women addressed the gathering during the event.
Police and paramilitary forces were deployed to monitor the situation. Officials confirmed that the protests remained peaceful. They also noted that similar demonstrations took place in some blocks on Thursday.
Asgar Ali Karbali, a senior community activist in Ladakh, highlighted Iran's long-standing support for oppressed communities from Lebanon to Palestine. "With this huge protest in Kargil today, we want to show that Iran is not alone," he stated.
Shia Clerics in Uttar Pradesh Echo Support
On Thursday, Shia clerics and community figures in Uttar Pradesh echoed the support for Tehran. They warned against escalation in the region.
Maulana Kalbe Jawwad, a leading cleric in Lucknow, spoke about the impact of Western sanctions. He said these sanctions have crippled Iran's economy and created unrest.
"On allegations of uranium enrichment for nuclear weapons, Western powers imposed sanctions on a Shia country. But in reality, they want Iran's oil," Jawwad asserted. "Remove the sanctions, and Iran will flourish." He urged New Delhi to back Tehran rather than remain neutral.
Maulana Yasoob Abbas of the All India Shia Personal Law Board accused the US and Israel of fuelling unrest. He dismissed reports of mass casualties, saying life in Iran was normal.
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, chairman of the Islamic Centre of India and Shahi Imam of Lucknow, emphasized that war was no solution. He called on the United Nations to intervene, stressing Iran's sovereignty and historic ties with India.
Voices from Kintoor Village
From Kintoor village in Barabanki district, about 30 kilometers southeast of Lucknow, Dr. Rehan Kazmi shared insights. This village is the ancestral home of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's grandfather.
Kazmi said Western media was distorting events. He cited family contacts in Iran who reported large pro-government rallies.
"If Israel or the US attacks, Iran will respond strongly. They have been prepared for this for the past 20 years," Kazmi warned.
The coordinated expressions of support from Ladakh and Uttar Pradesh highlight the significant pro-Iran sentiment within certain communities in India. They reflect concerns over regional stability and call for diplomatic engagement.
