Peaceful protests held in Budgam, Bandipora against strikes on Iran

Srinagar, Feb 28: A peaceful protest was held on Saturday at Magam along Gulmarg Road in central Kashmir’s Budgam district and Bandipora, where residents gathered to voice concern over rising tensions in the Middle East and reported Israeli military strikes on Iran.

Men, women and youth from different localities participated in the demonstration, raising slogans in support of peace, justice and an immediate end to violence. Speakers at the gathering urged restraint and called on global powers to prioritise diplomacy and dialogue over confrontation.

Protesters said the rally was organised as a peaceful show of solidarity with the people of Iran and as an appeal for broader global stability, stressing the need to protect civilian lives amid escalating hostilities.

Organisers said the protest remained orderly, with participants dispersing peacefully after expressing their views.

They emphasised that the purpose of the event was to promote awareness and unity rather than provoke unrest. Similar demonstrations have also been reported from other parts of the region as concerns grow over the potential regional and international impact of developments in the Middle East.

In north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, multiple protests were staged on Saturday against recent military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel. Hundreds of people gathered in areas including Sarai Dangarpora and Shadipora, raising slogans condemning the attacks and expressing solidarity with Iran.

The demonstrations were led by religious and community leader Agha Syed Toyab Mohd Rizvi, who addressed participants and criticised the escalating military actions in the Middle East. He urged the international community to intervene and work towards preventing further conflict. Eyewitnesses said the protests concluded peacefully, with marchers moving through local roads before dispersing. Security personnel were deployed in the areas as a precaution to maintain law and order.