The people of Kargil observed Jummat-ul-Vida as Youm-e-Quds, expressing their unwavering solidarity with Palestine and condemning the illegal occupation of Masjid Al-Aqsa and the atrocities committed by Israel. A massive protest rally was organized under the leadership of Markazi Imam Jumma Wal Jamaat, Hujjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen Sheikh Ibrahim Khalili. The rally commenced from Isna Ashriya Campus Kargil after Friday prayers, passed through Main Bazaar and Lal Chowk, and concluded at Isna Ashriya Chowk.
A large number of people, including religious scholars, youth leaders, and civil society members, participated in the protest, raising their voices against genocide and war crimes being committed in Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Parachinar (Pakistan). Protesters carried banners and placards reading "Free Palestine," "Boycott Israel," "Stop Atrocities Against Muslims," and "Zionism = Racism," demanding an immediate end to the occupation and the unjust siege of Gaza.
The rally began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Hujjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen Sheikh Toha Shairi, setting a solemn and determined tone for the event. Various religious and community leaders addressed the gathering, including Youth Leader Mohd Hassan Hundermani, Hujjatul Islam Wal Muslimeen Sheikh Abdullah Majani, and President of Jamiat Ul Ulema Isna Ashriya Kargil (JUIAK), Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi.
In his speech, Sheikh Nazir Mehdi Mohammadi emphasized the need for the global Muslim community to unite in the struggle for Palestinian liberation, recalling the teachings of Imam Khomeini, who declared Quds Day as a day of resistance against oppression. He strongly condemned the silence of international human rights organizations, stating that the siege of Palestine is an attack on human dignity, freedom, and international law.
He also highlighted the persecution of the Shia community in Parachinar, Pakistan, condemning violent attacks, sectarian discrimination, and restrictions imposed on the minority community. He urged the international community to intervene and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
Sheikh Nazir further addressed the discrimination faced by the Buddhist community, referring to the Bodh Gaya issue and the illegal occupation of Buddhist heritage sites. He asserted that Quds Day is not just about Palestine but about raising voices against oppression and injustice worldwide, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Additionally, he strongly condemned the introduction of the Waqf Bill in Parliament, calling it illegal and an interference in religious affairs. He declared that the Muslim community across India stands united in rejecting this bill.
On local issues, Sheikh Nazir criticized the UT Administration for failing to notify a single gazetted post and questioned the role of LAHDC Kargil and KDA, stating that these bodies were established to advocate for the people's rights but have failed in their responsibilities.
The speakers collectively condemned Israel’s continued aggression, war crimes, and systematic genocide of innocent Palestinian civilians, emphasizing that the massacre of men, women, and children in Gaza is a stain on global conscience. They urged the United Nations and world leaders to intervene and dismantle Israel’s apartheid regime.
The rally also denounced the atrocities committed in Syria by Jalani forces, condemning their indiscriminate attacks on civilians and gross violations of human rights.
The leaders further criticized certain Arab regimes, particularly the Al-Khalifa monarchy, for their allegiance to the United States and Israel, which has worsened the suffering of Palestinians, Syrians, and Lebanese people.
The protest concluded with a special prayer led by Markazi Imam Jumma Sheikh Ibrahim Khalili, seeking peace, prosperity, and communal harmony worldwide.
In his closing remarks, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalili expressed gratitude to religious scholars, the media, the public, and various administrative bodies, including the District Administration, Police Kargil, Health Department, and Municipal Committee Kargil, for their cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of the protest.
The event was well-organized and anchored by renowned scholar and educationist Haji Murtaza Khalili, making it a meaningful and impactful gathering.
