Locals have donated gold, silver, and cash to support Iran in the wake of the Gulf War, showing their solidarity with Iran, in Khumani Chowk Srinagar on March 23, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Imran Nissar
Larger-than-life images of slain Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dotted central parks in Srinagar’s Shia-majority localities of Zadibal and Hasanabad for the second consecutive day on Monday, even as a donation drive for the medical aid of people affected by the conflict in Iran gathers momentum across the Valley.
In a groundswell of support, residents have been contributing cash, gold items, piggy banks, vehicles and even cattle.
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Zainab Jan, 9, was one of the youngest donors to arrive early to deposit her piggy bank, which she had been saving for four years. Residents, including those from the lower-income households, donated items such as bikes, copper utensils and livestock.
“Traditionally, Kashmiris collect copper utensils for the weddings of their daughters as a means of security. However, we decided to donate them for those daughters who have lost their mothers and sisters in the ongoing attacks on Iran,” said Tahera Jan, 73, at Zadibal.
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The Iran-U.S.-Israel war has been going on for the past three weeks. According to official Iranian figures, the death toll has crossed 1,500, including children. Against this backdrop, donation drives have been organised across the Valley.
“Donations are being collected as medical aid for the people of Iran. The support has been overwhelming. We were moved. Even the poorest are donating whatever they can,” said Syed Asifi, one of the organisers at Khomeini Chowk in Bemina.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator and Shia cleric Muntazir Mehdi, who donated his one month’s salary, said, “Humanity must come before everything”.
Shia cleric and J&K Peoples Conference leader Imran Reza Ansari said Kashmiri people, especially the Shia community, “have come forward in large numbers”. However, concerns are being raised as some individuals involved in the collection process are reportedly receiving calls from various authorities seeking details about the funds, collectors, and contributors.”
Iran, through its official handle on X in India, on Sunday (March 22) expressed its special gratitude to the people of Kashmir, especially women and children, for their donations and support. “With hearts full of gratitude, we sincerely thank the kind people of Kashmir for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity; this kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you, India,” the message read.
Published – March 23, 2026 03:52 am IST
