Srinagar | WTNS | Special Correspondent |April 07: In a deeply moving display of solidarity, communities across Kashmir and Kargil joined hands in widespread Quds Rallies, echoing the heartfelt plea for justice on the final Friday of Ramzan-ul-Mubarak. Despite the profound significance of these rallies, local media outlets remained conspicuously silent, overlooking these impactful events.
The administration and various organizations collaborated effectively to ensure that the solidarity demonstrations for Palestine remained peaceful and orderly. Through strategic planning, coordination, and communication, they created a conducive environment for people to express their support without any disruption or conflict.
Administrative authorities implemented measures to manage crowd control, traffic flow, and security arrangements, thereby minimizing the risk of any untoward incidents. Additionally, organizations involved in the planning and execution of the solidarity events worked diligently to promote peaceful assembly and adherence to legal guidelines.
Their collective efforts helped foster an atmosphere of unity and harmony, allowing participants to convey their solidarity with Palestine in a peaceful and respectful manner. By prioritizing peaceful protest, the administration and organizations underscored their commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.
Under the leadership of the President Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian Agha Syed Hassan Mosavi Safvi the primary rally commenced from the central Imam Bara Budgam, winding through the streets of Budgam, Kashmir and grand rally at Magam led by Agha Syed Mujtaba Abbas. Meanwhile, in Magam town, another poignant assembly unfolded, with women carrying symbolic representations of infants wrapped in shrouds, symbolizing the innocence lost to conflict.
Men, women, and children stood together, passionately advocating for peace to triumph over the looming threat of further violence.
Moreover one of the largest quds procession in Srinagar city was taken out from Gupkar shrine on Dal Lake under the banner of All J&K Shia Association.
Processions and gatherings were also organised in Hassanabad, Zadibal, Lal Bazar and other areas of J&K.
Local Media’s Blindness to Quds Day:
Unveiling Unprofessionalism and Malice in Journalism
This glaring contrast in media coverage, amidst their tendency to sensationalize trivial matters, highlights a stark disparity in recognizing genuine expressions of solidarity for Palestine.
“These media outlets, shrouded in malice and prejudice, turned a blind eye and a deaf ear to the truth. They scrutinize even the most trivial matters, leaving no room for error, yet fail to acknowledge the glaring injustices before them.”
The egregious failure of local media to prioritize meaningful coverage over sensationalism lays bare their deep-rooted biases and lack of journalistic integrity. While they obsess over trivial matters, they blatantly disregard the profound expressions of solidarity for Palestine echoing through the streets.
In interviews with disgruntled citizens, it becomes abundantly clear that these media outlets are not merely neglectful, but actively complicit in perpetuating injustice. One interviewee lamented, “These outlets are nothing but mouthpieces for the status quo, perpetuating a narrative that serves the interests of the powerful while ignoring the plight of the oppressed.”
Another interviewee expressed outrage, stating, “It’s appalling to witness the blatant hypocrisy of these so-called journalists, who claim to uphold the truth while turning a blind eye to the suffering of innocent people. Their silence speaks volumes about their moral bankruptcy.”
It is imperative that action be taken to hold these unethical practitioners accountable for their damaging conduct. By perpetuating falsehoods and sensationalism, they not only betray the trust of their audience but also contribute to the proliferation of misinformation and societal discord. Genuine journalism demands integrity, objectivity, and a commitment to the public interest—qualities sorely lacking in the behaviour of these self-styled journalists.
This abhorrent behaviour from local media not only erodes public trust but also perpetuates harmful narratives that fuel division and inequality. It is high time for these outlets to be held accountable for their egregious negligence and to prioritize the voices of the marginalized over their own sensationalist agendas.
In parallel, Chattabal and Gund Hassi Bhat the rally was led by Itihadul Muslimiin’s president Moulana Masroor Abbas.
Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association led by Molvi Imran Raza Ansari witnessed a surge in rallies, reigniting the call for a definitive resolution to the Palestine crisis. As these gatherings gain momentum amid ongoing solidarity movements, they underscore the urgent imperative for substantive action to alleviate the enduring plight faced by the Palestinian people.”
‘’Protester from Kashmir: “We stand here today not just for ourselves, but for our brothers and sisters in Palestine. Their struggle is our struggle, and our voices will not be silenced until justice is served.”
In Kargil, the streets surged with fervent anti-Zionism protests, amplifying the resonance of the Quds Day observance. Spearheading these impassioned rallies were the Imam Khomeini Trust, orchestrating massive demonstrations that garnered substantial support from the Asna Ashree community, known for their unwavering advocacy for justice and peace. In the heart of Kargil, Asna Ashree members were a prominent presence, their voices echoing through the valleys as they raised compelling slogans demanding action and accountability.
‘’ Participant from Kargil: “As a community, we cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Palestinian people. It is our duty to raise our voices and demand an end to the oppression they face every day.”
What’s Quds Day
Al-Quds Day, typically observed on the last Friday of Ramadan, is a global demonstration against the occupation of Palestine. However, its date may vary depending on local circumstances. The day was established by Imam Khomeini after the Iranian revolutions, with the goal of supporting Palestinian rights and opposing oppression. Following Israel’s raid in Lebanon in 1979, Imam Khomeini declared this day to rally Muslims worldwide in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Unity and Solidarity in Support of Palestine Amplifying Voices for Justice
This encapsulates the essence of the events described, highlighting the united efforts of communities in Kashmir, Kargil, and beyond, as they come together to express solidarity with Palestine on Al-Quds Day. Despite the silence of local media outlets, the rallies symbolize a powerful collective plea for justice and peace, emphasizing the need for substantive action to address the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people.’’
The heartfelt words of the woman protester from Magam resonate with deep emotion, evoking a sense of profound empathy and sorrow. As she carries these symbolic representations of infants, her voice trembles with emotion, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Carrying these symbolic representations of infants,” she says, her voice quivering with emotion, “reminds us of the innocent lives lost in conflicts. It breaks my heart to think of the countless children who have suffered and perished due to senseless violence. We must strive for a future where children everywhere can grow up in peace.”
Her words are suffused with the pain of a mother’s heart, the weight of grief for lives cut short and futures stolen. In her plea for peace, there is an overwhelming sense of longing for a world where the laughter of children drowns out the sounds of war, where innocence is preserved and cherished. As she speaks, her voice carries the weight of countless untold stories, each one a testament to the human cost of conflict.
In her simple yet poignant statement, she encapsulates the collective yearning for a future where tears of sorrow are replaced by tears of joy, where the cries of children are met with comfort and security. It is a plea born from the depths of her soul, a plea for a world where no mother will ever have to mourn the loss of her child again.(WTNS)
