Spontaneous celebrations erupted in Kashmir Valley following the bilateral ceasefire declaration by the US and Iran, seen as a triumph for the Muslim community. People in Baramulla, Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, and Pulwama districts took to the streets, bursting firecrackers in jubilation.
The joy stemmed from the perception among Muslims that the ceasefire signified a victory for Iran and its people, with residents displaying Iranian flags and sharing Kashmiri tea in revelry. The ceasefire was hailed as a win for Iran over the US and Israel, according to Shia community leaders.
While the ceasefire’s implications on each side’s victory remain debatable, the relief was palpable after US President Donald Trump’s social media announcement following earlier tensions. The Valley had experienced a period of mourning after the assassination of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini, leading to peaceful protests that united Shia and Sunni Muslims.
Authorities, wary of potential disruptions, initially imposed restrictions in sensitive areas, which were later eased due to efforts by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to promote dignified mourning. His engagement with various societal factions facilitated a return to normalcy in Kashmir.
