Observers believe the scale of the response goes beyond the act of simple charity, reflecting deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious connections between Kashmir and Iran
SRINAGAR — Residents across the picturesque Kashmir Valley launched a large-scale humanitarian campaign to support the people affected in Iran by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Volunteers in Srinagar and surrounding districts organised door-to-door campaigns, urging communities to contribute essential items and valuables to those affected by the unjust US-Israeli aggression on Iran.
From cash and gold to livestock and traditional copper utensils, residents generously donated to the cause, often parting with their personal belongings in a show of solidarity with Iran.
Community-led drives, particularly in Shia-majority areas of Kashmir and Kargil in Ladakh, saw people donating their valuables, highlighting the collective spirit of giving. “We may not be rich, but we know what suffering is,” said 51-year-old Reyaz, a resident of downtown Srinagar. “If our little help can make a small difference, it is worth it,” he added.
Women have also actively participated and donated personal belongings, including jewellery.
Forty-year-old Fehmeeda from the Pandrethan area donated gold earrings gifted by her late husband, along with other valuables.
Fehmeeda, a homemaker, said that this is not about how much we give; it is about standing with those who are going through the most difficult time while fighting for Islam.
As the donation campaign gathered pace across the valley, Iran acknowledged and thanked the Kashmiris, particularly women and children, for their generous contributions and their support. Through its official X account in India, it expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown during these difficult times.
“With hearts full of gratitude, we sincerely thank the kind people of Kashmir for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity; this kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you, India,” the message read.
The donation drive followed protest rallies that erupted after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Thousands of Kashmiris took to the streets, burning effigies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump.
These demonstrations — the first since 2019, when the Narendra Modi government repealed the region’s special status, imposed a months-long lockdown and downgraded the erstwhile state into a UT — were later restricted by authorities to maintain order.
Nearly a month into the conflict, the protests gradually transformed into a large-scale donation campaign, with people focusing on humanitarian support rather than political confrontation.
Another resident from the Pandrethan area of Srinagar, Asmat Zehra, explained how her family responded after the local mosque and imambargah called for donations: “We contributed cash, and my mother donated her golden earrings. Seeing people from all communities, including Sunnis, children, and even Sikhs, participating inspired us to join in.”
“These are small contributions that we made from here and it is nothing compared to the sacrifices of the innocent victims,” Zehra said.
“I wish I were there, I would have fought against the oppressors myself and given my every drop of blood in the cause,” Zehra added.
Videos circulating online also showed children joining in with their piggy banks and donating their savings and Eid money.
A 20-year-old college student, Mehnaz, who herself donated cash and gold, said, “This is not just a conflict; it is the destruction of innocent lives under the weight of power and politics.”
“People are suffering for no fault of their own. This is the unimaginable devastation caused by the illegal war imposed on Iran by the US and Israel. If we cannot stop the war, the least we can do is stand with the victims and extend whatever help we can,” Mehnaz said.
Observers believe the scale of the response goes beyond the act of simple charity, reflecting deep-rooted historical, cultural, and religious connections between Kashmir and Iran. Historians note that these ties can be traced back to ancient trade routes linking Kashmir with Persia, enabling the exchange of goods, ideas, and traditions.
From the 14th century onward, the arrival of Persian Sufi saints, scholars, and traders further strengthened this connection. Their presence shaped various aspects of life in Kashmir, leaving a lasting imprint on Kashmir, including its language, art forms, and social practices.
Persian became the official language of administration and intellectual life in Kashmir for several centuries, leading to Kashmir being referred to as “Iran-e-Sagheer,” meaning “Little Iran.”
Traces of this shared heritage can still be seen today in Kashmir’s architectural styles, traditional crafts like carpet weaving and papier-mâché, and in religious customs, particularly among Shia communities in areas such as Kargil.
