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Kashmiri Shia Muslim protesters shout anti-Israel and anti-US slogans during their march against the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon, in Magam in the Budgam district of Central Kashmir, Saturday, September 28, 2024. ( Photo: PTI)
Areas such as Kargil and Budgam, which previously saw protests against Israel’s operation that eliminated Nasrallah, are now under heavy security.
Massive protests in Jammu and Kashmir against the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah by Israel have raised concerns among the Central Intelligence Agency. The senior official said that in a recent analysis, the protests were called ‘organic’, as there was no contribution of these protests being motivated by ‘outsiders.’ The protests were organized by local Shia groups, especially young people who were outraged by the killing of Hezbollah chief Nasrallah.
Officials of various intelligence agencies said that in the next few hours no protests will be allowed due to the sensitivity of polling in UT. Areas such as Kargil and Budgam, which previously saw protests against Israel’s operation that eliminated Nasrallah, are now under heavy security.
According to a senior intelligence official, there is general intimidation about these protests, and agencies are monitoring the situation. “These protests are natural and involve local people from the Shia community. Many of them travel to Iran and Iraq every year, especially during Muharram, and consider Nasrallah to be their most important leader. Community leaders have been asked not to organize protests due to polls in J&K and may not be allowed for the next few days. So far, no support or involvement from outside sources has been identified in organizing these protests,” said a government official posted in J&K on condition of anonymity.
While the security forces have admitted that miscreants may try to use the protests to create a law and order situation in J&K, enough have been deployed to deal with any problems, the police chief said.
Importantly, the central agencies are concerned about local connections between the Shia and Hezbollah, which could be used to target the youth. They do not rule out the possibility that people could connect with groups in Iran, which poses future challenges. Meanwhile, different social networks and groups are being looked at.
“We have seen sensational and sectarian news spread on social media, which threaten social harmony. We urge everyone to refrain from posting or engaging in divisive content,” said the Internet Communications Police on X.
Warning of strict action against violators, they added, “Any person found posting or sharing cult, seditious, or provocative content will face strict legal action under the relevant sections of the law. Let us work together to maintain the unity and peace of Kashmir.”
