Protests erupted across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday as crowds took to the streets to condemn the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who died in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon. In Budgam, large demonstrations featured participants, including women and children, holding images of the Hezbollah chief.

Similar demonstrations were reported in Srinagar’s old city and various other regions of Jammu and Kashmir. The unrest followed Israel’s announcement of Nasrallah's death, which was later confirmed by Hezbollah itself.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti responded by announcing that her Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would suspend its campaign for the Assembly election on Sunday in protest of Nasrallah’s killing. Mufti expressed solidarity with Lebanon and Gaza in a tweet, stating: “Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza, especially Hassan Nasrallah. We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance.”

Nasrallah, aged 64, was the leader of the Iran-backed Hezbollah organization, and his death represents a significant blow to the group, which has been involved in ongoing conflict with Israel. The strike that killed Nasrallah also resulted in the death of Iranian general Abbas Nilforoushan of the Revolutionary Guards, as well as Nasrallah's daughter, Zainab Nasrallah, and senior Hezbollah commander Ali Karaki.

The airstrikes in Lebanon, part of a broader Israeli offensive, have resulted in over 800 casualties and displaced many people in recent days. This escalation followed a series of Hezbollah rocket attacks on Israel, which came in the wake of Hamas’ assault on October 7, 2023. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel continues to intensify, with the Israeli military maintaining operations in Gaza and other parts of Palestine.Protests Erupt in Jammu and Kashmir Over Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah’s Killing in Israeli Airstrike