Protests broke out at several places in the Kashmir valley and Kargil district today as Shia Muslims demonstrated against the execution of a cleric in Saudi Arabia.
The Superintendent of Police (SP), North City, Srinagar, was injured in a clash between Shia protesters and the police in the Rainawari locality of the city here.
Shias held protests at several places in the region, including the city, today against the execution of cleric Nimr al-Nimr. The Shia cleric was executed in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, which triggered protests in the Shia-dominated pockets of the Kashmir valley.
According to police sources, minor demonstrations against the execution took place at all places in the Kashmir valley which are dominated by Shia Muslims.
The demonstration have stoked tension in the Kashmir valley and threatened to cause sectarian disturbances.
Shia protesters clashed with the police at several places, including Rainawari and Dalgate in the city here. Protests also took place at Saida Kadal and Zadibal in the city here, Pattan, Magam and Narbal in north Kashmir and at a few places in Pulwama and Kulgam in south Kashmir.
Demonstrations were held in Kargil district in the remote Ladakh region. Kargil district, which is populated by Shia Muslims, also observed a shutdown against the execution, while leading religious groups there called for three-day mourning.
The demonstration in Kargil was led by Hanifa Jan, chief executive councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil.
Jammu: The Shia Federation today organised a protest against the execution of a Shia religious leader by Saudi Arabia and alleged that Saudi’s are supporting terrorists groups across the world.
Members of the Shia community paid homage to Nimr al-Nimr, who was executed by Saudi Arabia on alleged terror charges a few days ago.
Speaking on the occasion, prominent cleric Maulana Mohammad Kousar Ali Jafri condemned the act of the Saudi Government and alleged that a reign of terror against Shias had been started in the kingdom. “We condemn the execution and demand from the Indian Government to lodge a protest,” said Jafri.
Protesters alleged that Saudi Arabia was responsible for terror acts around the world and innocent people were being killed in Syria, Yemen, Pakistan and other parts of the world.
“There is an international conspiracy to defame Islam and Saudis are acting as stooges of the US. Muslims should remain united to defeat the agenda of some rulers who are creating division within the Ummah,” said Ashiq Hussain, president of the Shia Federation.
Spokesperson for the Shia Federation Sayed Fida Hussain Rizvi also addressed the protesters and said the world should take notice of happenings in West Asia where innocent Muslims were being killed by terror groups sponsored by West.
Tension mounts in state as Shias protest Saudi cleric’s execution
