Nasrallah’s Killing Sparks J&K Protests: Mehbooba Mufti, Ruhullah Halt Campaigns Amid Anti-Israel Outcry

Jammu & Kashmir – Protests erupted in Srinagar and Budgam over the weekend following the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike. Demonstrators took to the streets, chanting anti-Israel and anti-US slogans as anger spread across parts of the region.

The fallout from Nasrallah’s killing prompted political leaders in Jammu & Kashmir to suspend their election campaigns. Mehbooba Mufti, the leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), announced on Sunday that she would halt her campaign ahead of the third phase of elections, citing solidarity with "the martyrs of Lebanon and Gaza, especially Hassan Nasrallah." Mufti emphasized her party’s support for the people of Palestine and Lebanon.

Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza especially Hassan Nasarullah. We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance.

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) September 28, 2024

Similarly, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a National Conference Member of Parliament from Srinagar, also cancelled his election campaign to condemn the airstrike that killed the Hezbollah leader.

Protests in Srinagar and Budgam

On Saturday, residents of Srinagar and Budgam gathered in large numbers to voice their outrage over Nasrallah’s death, which occurred during a high-profile Israeli military operation. Protesters rallied against the US and Israel, holding signs and chanting slogans.

The protests prompted security forces to be deployed in key areas to prevent potential violence. Although the demonstrations remained largely peaceful, traffic disruptions were reported in parts of Srinagar due to road blockades and gatherings.

Israel's Justification for the Strike

Israel confirmed that Nasrallah’s death was part of a broader operation aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah’s influence in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Nasrallah’s elimination was a necessary step in achieving Israel’s military goals, including the rehabilitation of citizens displaced by conflict in northern Israel. Netanyahu also linked the operation to efforts aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas militants during an attack on October 7.

The protests in Jammu & Kashmir reflect the strong sentiments in the region over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with many locals showing solidarity with the victims in Gaza and Lebanon. However, as protests continue, the security situation remains tense, and further political fallout is expected in the lead-up to the elections in Jammu & Kashmir.