Re-strengthening the historical ties between Kashmir and Iran, people of all communities in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are donating generously to help the people of Iran. This huge donation campaign started when various Shia organizations appealed to people to donate for Iran.
Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association appealed in a post on a social media platform and said, ‘There is an appeal to all the Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir to contribute for the people of Iran in these difficult times. Iran has always stood with the Ummah (Muslim community), today it is our turn. The least we can do is help through donations and prayers. May Allah strengthen the unity of the Ummah.
In response, people from all over the Kashmir valley gathered in large numbers and made huge donations in the form of things like gold and silver jewellery, copper utensils, land, cars, motorcycles along with cash. Apart from this, bank transactions were also done through QR code scanner, direct cash deposit, check and online transfer.
What did the people who donated for Iran say?
Haji Mohammad Amin, 60, deposited a check of Rs 50,000 at a collection center in Budgam, Kashmir, saying it was just a small contribution from his side in this fight between evil and good. He said that Iran is our soul and we will not shy away from shedding our blood to protect Iran and our leader there.
At the same time, another donor Sabra Zainab said, ‘People are collecting cash, gold, copper items and other types of donations even in small villages. All this donation will be sent through a proper channel, for which the bank account of the Iran Embassy in India will be used. This account is in State Bank of India (SBI).
While Imran Ahmed, a Sunni Muslim resident of Budgam, said, ‘This donation is a small effort from their side in this fight between right and wrong, truth and lie. This fight has shown us that there is no Shia or Sunni in this conflict. We all are followers of the same religion. This is not a one day feeling.
What did the Iranian Embassy say after donating more than Rs 500 crore?
According to estimates, the total donations collected in different parts of Kashmir Valley in the last few days have crossed the figure of Rs 500 crore and people are continuously reaching these donation centers with their contributions.
The Embassy of Iran had also shared bank details for the people in India through its Twitter handle, so that they could send their contributions and donations and after the overwhelming response to the appeal of the people of Kashmir, the Embassy not only thanked the people, but also tweeted a video of children withdrawing money from their piggy bank and promised that they will never forget the contribution of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in future.
The Iranian Embassy said, ‘With gratitude in our hearts, we wholeheartedly thank the noble people of Kashmir for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian assistance and heartfelt solidarity. This kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you, India.
Budgam MLA promised to donate his salary
While many people are donating silently through online mediums, many people from different religions and regions are posting their contributions on social media and tagging the Embassy of Iran in India in it. Even Aga Syed Muntajir Mehdi, the sitting MLA from Kashmir’s Shia-dominated Budgam district, promised to donate one month’s salary to help the Iranian people.
He said, ‘I stand in solidarity with the people of Iran in these difficult times. As a small gesture of support and sympathy, I am donating my one month’s salary towards relief efforts. In times of crisis, it is our collective responsibility to rise above all boundaries and help the needy. He also urged other people associated with public life and society to come forward and contribute to humanitarian work.
So far the authorities have made no attempt to ban donations for the people of Iran and the campaign is gaining momentum day by day.
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