Shia community protests in northern India following incident involving Nasrallah
by Aditi VermaIn response to the recent death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli attack in Lebanon, the Shia community in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh has expressed its outrage through candlelight marches for the second consecutive day, highlighting their grief and anger over the incident.
The incident took place at Kundarki, a town in the Moradabad district and the video went viral on October 1.
Visuals showed many people walking through a narrow alley for the protest, holding candles in their hands. The flickering flames illuminated their determined faces as they moved together in solidarity.
The mood among the Shia community has turned somber following the news of Hassan Nasrallah’s death, which they perceive as a martyrdom for the cause of oppressed Palestinians. Large crowds, including elderly women, men, and children, participated in candlelight vigils, holding photos of Nasrallah and chanting slogans in his support.
Protesters articulated that Nasrallah had fought against terrorism and stood up for the oppressed Palestinians, accusing Israel of committing atrocities against innocent children and unarmed civilians. They argued that social media misrepresents Nasrallah, emphasizing his dedication to the plight of the marginalized.
The candlelight march, which began peacefully in the Sadat Mohalla area, concluded at a predetermined location where demonstrators openly condemned Israel’s actions. Banners stating “Nasrallah is a martyr” were prominently displayed, showcasing the community’s solidarity and mourning.
As Kundarki prepares for upcoming by-elections, the Shia community’s protests have drawn significant attention, underscoring the socio-political tensions in the region.