Kashmiri Shiite Muslims hold placards as they chant “pro-Iranian” and “anti-Israel” slogans during a protest in Budgam district, central Kashmir, on June 13 2025.
| Photo Credit: Imran Nissar
Several Jammu and Kashmir leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Friday (June 13, 2025) condemned Israel for attacking Iran, while sporadic anti-Israel protests were held in parts of the Kashmir valley.
Also read: Israel strikes Iran updates on June 13, 2025
“Israel is doing what Russia did in Ukraine. But these powers, whether America, Europe, or anyone else, become silent. Iran did not give any reason to be attacked. This looks like a pre-emptive strike. It is very sad if the world powers remain silent on this,” Mr. Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister also requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students in Iran. “Requesting @MEAIndia to urgently ensure the safety and well-being of Kashmiri students currently stuck in Iran. Their families are deeply worried, and we stand with them in this difficult time. Every step must be taken to safeguard our students,” Abdullah said on X.
National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi used strong words to condemn Israel. “Israel targeted multiple sovereign nations including Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Iran. Despite launching repeated attacks, Israel continues to portray itself as a victim. This rogue Zionist regime is not defending itself, it is behaving like a colonial aggressor,” Mr. Mehdi said.
He said attacking sovereign nations does not reflect power, “it amounts to state terrorism”. “Any sovereign country has every right to defend itself and deliver a firm response. The Zionist regime must be held accountable for its crimes in Gaza and the region,” the NC leader said.
Former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti termed Israel’s attack on Iran as “yet another brazen act by a State that appears to have gone rogue”. “The silence of the global community, particularly Western powers led by the United States, is both alarming and telling. This silence amounts to tacit approval,” Ms. Mufti said.
Glaring double standards: Mehbooba
She said in the case of India-Pakistan tensions, the U.S. never fails to assert that its intervention has been crucial in preventing escalation. “Yet when it comes to Israel’s relentless bombardment of Gaza or its latest strike on Iran that same urgency is conspicuously missing. These glaring double standards endangers global peace and stability. Equally disturbing is the deafening silence of the so-called Muslim countries, who remain shamelessly non-existent in the face of such grave injustice. Their inaction is not just disappointing, it’s a betrayal of the very causes they claim to stand for,” she added.
Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq termed the attack on Iran “distressing news”.
“This is highly condemnable. While perpetuating genocide on hapless Palestinians and getting away with it, Israel is now putting the whole of the Middle East in peril. It has become a rogue State and a huge threat to world peace. It is the moral duty of the U.N. and all world nations to put pressure on Israel to stop the genocide and war in Gaza and prevent Israel from targeting other nations. People of Jammu and Kashmir stand with Palestinians and Iranians against Israeli aggression on them,” the Mirwaiz said.
Protests in Kashmir valley
Meanwhile, protests broke out in favour of Iran in parts of the Kashmir valley. Most of the protests were reported from central Kashmir’s Budgam. The Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian, a religious Shia body, also organised a street protest at the Markazi Imam Bargah, Budgam. The protesters were seen raising anti-Israel and pro-Iran slogans.
“Attack on Iran is in violation of the International Code of Conduct. Israel has now crossed all limits. unjust, provocative, and an open challenge to the international community. It is not just an assault on one country but an assault on justice, law, and the shared values of humanity,” Aga Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, president of Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian, said.
Published – June 13, 2025 11:18 pm IST
