Political and religious leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have widely condemned Israel's recent attack on Iran, describing it as an unjustified and provocative action that poses a serious threat to global peace. The unprecedented strike has triggered strong reactions across the region, with many leaders questioning the silence of the international community.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir, strongly denounced Israel's actions during his Friday sermon at Srinagar's historic Jamia Masjid. He described Israel as a "rogue state and a huge threat to world peace," expressing outrage over the killing of Iranian civilians, including women and children, in the strike. He stated that Israel, after perpetrating genocide against Palestinians, is now endangering the entire Middle East. Mirwaiz urged the international community, particularly the United Nations, to intervene and restrain Israel from attacking sovereign nations. He also conveyed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir stand in solidarity with the Palestinians and Iranians against Israeli aggression.
Echoing these sentiments, National Conference MP Agha Syed Ruhullah criticized Israel's repeated attacks on Middle Eastern countries, labeling it a "colonial thug" on the global stage. Ruhullah highlighted Israel's history of bombing Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, while still portraying itself as the victim. He rebuked India's abstention from a recent UN General Assembly resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, calling it a betrayal of India's post-colonial legacy. He questioned the shift from the principles upheld by Nehru and Indira Gandhi, who supported justice for Palestine. Ruhullah asserted that Iran, like any sovereign nation, has the right to defend itself and retaliate.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the strike, deeming it "totally unjustified" and warning of serious global repercussions. He likened Israel's actions to those of Russia in Ukraine, questioning the double standards in international responses. Abdullah pointed out that while the world condemned Russia's actions, there has been relative silence regarding Israel's attack on Iran. He also raised concerns about the potential impact on global fuel prices, aviation routes, and economic stability, urging the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students in Iran.
Former Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti described the attack as a "brazen act" and criticized the West's silence as a form of complicity. She highlighted the contrast in the international community's response to tensions between India and Pakistan, where the US often intervenes to prevent escalation, versus the lack of urgency in addressing Israel's actions in Gaza and Iran. Mufti also expressed concern over the silence of Muslim countries, calling their inaction a betrayal of the causes they claim to uphold.
The Awami Ittehad Party, led by jailed MP Engineer Rashid, also condemned the airstrikes, calling them a "dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of international norms.” The party criticized the international community, especially Western powers, for their silence, considering it as complicity.
These reactions from various political and religious figures in Kashmir reflect a widespread concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and a perceived bias in the international community's response to Israeli actions. The leaders have called for restraint, intervention by international bodies, and a consistent application of international law to prevent further conflict and protect civilians.
