Kargil, March 28, 2025 – On the occasion of International Quds Day, massive rallies were held across the world, including in the Kargil district, where thousands participated to express solidarity with the Palestinian people. The largest procession was organized under the banner of the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT) Kargil, where fasting demonstrators braved the intense cold to join in large numbers.

Protesters carried banners, placards, and images of martyrs in support of Palestine, while chanting strong slogans against Israeli brutality and savage attacks. A magnificent model of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) was also displayed on a vehicle that moved along with the procession.

The grand rally began after Friday prayers from Jamia Masjid Kargil, passing through Lal Chowk and Khomeini Chowk before concluding at Hussaini Park. Alongside IKMT, a large number of participants from the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat and other schools of thought also joined the march.

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To ensure smooth organization, volunteers from the Basij-e-Imam and a heavy contingent of Ladakh Police were deployed. Hussaini Park had been decorated a day earlier by Basiji volunteers.

Carrying huge flags of Palestine, the demonstrators chanted slogans against America, Israel, Britain and the enemies of Wilayat-e-Faqih. On asking what he meant by “Down with Amecia”, a young protestor named Abass Ali said that ‘down with America and Israel’ mean to oppose their oppression, boycott their products that are fuelling the Israeli aggression against innocent people in Gaza and Palestine. Down with America means to uphold our Islamic culture and values against the Western cultural aggression.

Addressing the gathering at Hussaini Park, Haji Asghar Karbalai, a member of IKMT’s Advisory Council, stated that the Palestinian issue is not just an Arab concern but the foremost problem of the entire Muslim Ummah. He said, “Imam Khomeini (RA) laid the foundation of this day 47 years ago to remind the world that Palestine is not just a regional issue but a matter of global conscience. Today, Palestinian resistance echoes worldwide, and conscientious people everywhere stand against Israel.”

Referring to the events of October 7, Karbalai emphasized that Palestinians have always resisted oppression and fought for their rights. “The world saw that when Palestinians took decisive steps for freedom, Israel and its supporters realized this movement is now unstoppable. The Zionist regime tries to suppress this resistance through media, but it has failed,” he added.

He noted that protests against Israeli aggression in Gaza have erupted across the US, Europe, Africa, Asia, and even Australia, with some Jewish leaders condemning Israel’s actions as contrary to Judaic principles.

Karbalai urged people to boycott Israeli products, saying, “If we cannot actively help Palestinians, we can at least weaken Israel’s economy by avoiding its products. The people of Kargil are followers of Hazrat Ali (AS) and Imam Hussain (AS); I hope they will fully boycott Israeli goods.”

He also criticized YouTube for allegedly blocking Quds Day coverage, calling it a Zionist conspiracy. “No matter how hard you try, you cannot silence our voices. We will continue protesting for Palestine with full strength.”

Concluding his speech, he declared, “The US and Israel seek power through the blood of the oppressed, but we will never bow before them. This struggle is not just for land but for humanity and the rights of the oppressed. We stand with Palestine till our last breath.”

IKMT Chairman Hujjat-ul-Islam Sheikh Sadiq Rajai, in his presidential address, stated that Quds Day is Imam Khomeini’s (RA) great legacy, uniting Muslims on the Palestinian issue. “After the Islamic Revolution’s success, Imam Khomeini (RA) stood against global arrogance and declared the last Friday of Ramadan as Quds Day to strengthen Palestine’s freedom movement,” he said.

He added that Imam Khomeini (RA) also initiated “Unity Week” and emphasized disavowal of arrogance (Bara’at min al-Mushrikeen) during Hajj to awaken the Muslim world’s true power.

The rally culminated at Hussaini Park, packed with fasting protesters who offered collective prayers and chanted slogans for Palestine’s victory. Effigies of former US President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu were burned, while participants vowed to continue their struggle until Palestine’s liberation.

Similarly, thousands of women also marched a huge procession from Zainabiya Chowk to Hussaini Park under the banner of Zainabiya Women Welfare Society, IKMT. Their procession also joined the congregation at Hussaini Park.