Pro-Iran rallies held in Kashmir, Kargil

Pro-Iran regime rallies were held in parts of the Kashmir valley and Ladakh’s Kargil after Friday (January 16, 2026) prayers.

A major rally was held in Kashmir’s Budgam where worshippers took to streets and raised anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans. The rally was held from the Budgam the Imambara to the main chowk.

Protesters were carrying posters of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the late leader Ruhollah Khomeini. They also raised slogans, expressing solidarity and support to the Iranian regime, which has been facing protests within the country for many weeks now.

Prominent Shia cleric Aga Syed Hassan, who heads the Anjuman-e-Shari Shia Budgam, also joined the rally along with several religious leaders. “International media organisations should report facts from Iran. Disturbances have been curbed. Peace has been restored. There is a need to avoid further escalation of tensions,” Mr. Hassan said.

Praising those protesting in favour of Iran in Kashmir, former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said the U.S. was “routinely attacking countries in the name of restoring democracy while exploiting their natural resources”.

“Glad that people of Kashmir were coming forward to support Iran and raise their voice against what she termed global injustice. Such protests should have taken place across India as well. Iran has historically been a good friend of India. However, the situation has changed due to policies pursued by the BJP,” Ms. Mufti said.

In Ladakh, hundreds of worshippers after Friday (January 16) prayers hit many towns of Kargil, including Kargil town, Sankoo and Drass in spite of sub-zero temperatures. Expressing support towards the Iranian regime, the worshippers condemned the U.S. and Israel.

“People in Kargil have expressed unequivocal and unwavering solidarity with the leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, and the Islamic Revolutionary system,” Sajjad Kargili, a leader from Kargil, said.

He said the depth of public passion and resolve conveyed a clear message, as even the harshest conditions cannot silence the voice of truth and resistance. “Imperialism may take lives, but it can never extinguish an ideology,” Mr. Kargili said.