SRINAGAR: As thousands of people took to the streets on Friday in different areas of Kashmir to observe Al-Quds Day in solidarity with Palestine, J&K police have registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against the organisers at some places for raising pro-Hezbollah slogans and flags. Al-Quds is Arabic for Jerusalem.
Kashmiri protesters carrying banners that read “Free Palestine” marched through the busy markets of Srinagar, Budgam, and other districts. The demonstrators, including women and children, called for an end to Israeli “occupation of Palestinian territories”.
Every year on Al-Quds Day, officially known as International Quds Day, Kashmir witnesses protests in support of Palestinians. It is an annual pro-Palestinian event held on the last Friday of the Islamic month of Ramadan. Many speakers said that Kashmir stands in solidarity with the “oppressed people of Palestine”.
A police statement said a case has been registered against the organisers and participants of a Youm-e-Quds procession in Beerwah, Budgam, “for creating a law and order situation by raising objectionable slogans”.
“By sloganeering, organisers tried to create a law and order situation, thereby causing obstruction to smooth movement of the general public,” police said. Police have registered a case under various BNS sections.
In the north Kashmir district of Baramulla police registered a case under UAPA against people involved for what it said amounted to “promoting terrorism by displaying Hezbollah flags and raising slogans in support of the militant group”. J&K police lodged an FIR at police station Pattan against a group of people seen carrying Hezbollah flags, placards, and banners featuring photographs of the Hezbollah commander.
“The individuals were also heard raising slogans in support of Hezbollah with the intent to incite the general public and encourage elements associated with terrorist organisations to engage in subversive activities and to revive terrorist activities within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,” police said.
“Police have initiated their investigation into the matter and swift action is assured against those found involved in activities that threaten peace and stability in the region,” police said.