Widespread protests erupted across the city on Friday as members of the Muslim community, deeply aggrieved by the recent terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir, expressed their anger and grief. After the Friday congregational prayers, demonstrators burned the Pakistani flag and raised strong demands to declare Pakistan and Israel as terrorist nations. Prayers were offered in mosques for peace across the country, including Kashmir, and for an end to terrorism.
The protests, marked by black bands and slogans against terrorism, were led by prominent clerics and witnessed significant participation from the community. Protesters called for national unity and communal harmony to defeat what they termed Pakistan’s “sinister conspiracy” to divide Hindus and Muslims.
At the forefront of the protest held at the historic Asifi Mosque in Bada Imambara, General Secretary of the Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Hind, Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad Naqvi, launched a scathing attack on Pakistan, referring to it as “Papistan.” He said, “The statements coming from Pakistan clearly indicate their intent to spark conflict between Hindus and Muslims. But we will foil their conspiracy by promoting mutual love and unity.”
Maulana Kalbe Jawad further added, “Anyone — Hindu or Muslim — who tries to spread hatred is acting as an agent of Pakistan. The terrorists who killed the tourists were not Muslims. The real Muslims were the Kashmiri youth who risked their lives to save the victims.”
He also questioned the security arrangements in Pahalgam, suggesting a failure in intelligence and protection. On the Gaza conflict, he condemned those who celebrated the killing of civilians and emphasised that “the pain of death is the same for all, regardless of religion or geography.” His speech ended with a strong demand to label both Pakistan and Israel as terrorist states.
The demonstration at Teele Wali Masjid was equally powerful, with a large number of worshippers attending while wearing black armbands. After the prayers, Imam Maulana Fazle Mannan Rahmani led a solemn two-minute silence in memory of the slain tourists. He said, “No religion justifies the killing of innocent lives. We demand the harshest punishment for those responsible for the Pahalgam killings.”
Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Sibtain Noori, son of the late Dr. Kalbe Sadiq, also took part in the protest and delivered a fiery address. He said, “It is high time we launch direct attacks on terror camps operating in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Innocent Muslims are being wrongly targeted after the Pahalgam incident. Those spreading hatred are enemies of India and of both Hindus and Muslims.”
Prominent clerics including Maulana Sartaj Haider, Maulana Raza Hussain, and Maulana Adil Faraz were present during the protest. The unified message from all religious leaders was clear: terrorism has no religion, and unity is the only way to counter divisive forces. The demonstrations concluded with a call for peace, national integrity, and resolute action against terrorism in all its forms.