OCCUPIED SRINAGAR: Residents in Illegally Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) donated cash and precious metals on Monday to support Iranians affected by the Middle East war, while volunteers said some people also offered sheep or goats.
Muslim-majority Kashmir, which has a significant Shia population, shares long-standing cultural and religious ties with Iran.
The Iranian embassy in New Delhi has shared several videos of Kashmiris donating to help them, and issued bank details where cash donations can be paid.
“We will never forget your kindness and humanity,” it said Sunday on its social media account. “Thank you, India.”
Iranian scholars are widely credited with helping introduce Islam to the Himalayan region centuries ago.
Earlier this month, thousands of Kashmiris waved red, black and yellow flags during demonstrations following joint strikes by the United States and Israel that killed Iran’s Ali Khamenei.
“Not only Shias, but also the Sunni community is contributing…this reflects our unity and how we continue to stand with our brothers in Iran,” said 29-year-old student Aiman Zehra.