Srinagar

The Shia Muslims of Jammu and Kashmir, India’s only Muslim majority region (UT) have appealed to the Narendra Modi government to take a “strong stand” against the persecution of the Shia community in Pakistan.

Imran Ansari, President of All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association and a former minister had written to the External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar a letter to bring his attention and a possible action against the persecution of the Shia community in Pakistan.

“I am writing to bring to your attention a catastrophic situation unfolding in Parachinar, Pakistan, where the Shia community is facing an existential threat from extremist groups. The situation is dire and immediate action is necessary to prevent a massacre,” Ansari wrote to Jaishankar.

Dr. @DrSJaishankar immediate Action Required! Shia communities in Parachinar, Pakistan face imminent genocide. Pakistani govt's inaction has emboldened extremists. India must act now to prevent further bloodshed. Summon Pak Ambassador, demand protection & justice! @HMOIndia pic.twitter.com/pmRL20YIUQ

— All J&K Shia Association (@AJKSA_) July 29, 2024

Ansari alleged years of sectarian violence and apathy and inaction of the Pakistani government have emboldened extremist groups, leaving the Shia community vulnerable to further attacks.

“The recent escalation of violence has created a humanitarian crisis and it is imperative that India takes a strong stance to prevent further bloodshed,” he added.

“India has a moral obligation to act, given its commitment to human rights and religious freedom,” he added

His letter is significant given the recent incident in which A brutal assault in Pakistan's Parachinar town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district has left at least 44 Shia Muslims dead by terrorists who used heavy weapons.

The violence, triggered by pro-Taliban factions, has led to numerous injuries and sparked a major human rights crisis.

A candle-light vigil was held in Indian-administered Kashmir on Monday in solidarity with people in #Parachinar city of Pakistan where more than 40 Shia Muslims have been killed by Takfiri terrorist groups in the past week. pic.twitter.com/00L0YdJGqd

— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) July 30, 2024

In Kashmir, candlelight vigils were held at several places in solidarity with the victims of the Parachinar attack.

The vigil was organized at Imambargah Zadibal and Budgam and was attended by people from various areas who gathered to express solidarity with the victims and their families.

Participants raised slogans in favor of the slain and held candles and placards, demanding justice for those under siege.

Addressing the gathering at Zadibal Aga Syed Adeel condemned the killings and urged the international community to notice the atrocities committed against Shia Muslims in Pakistan.

“It is sad to see that the killings are being ignored by the international community. People in Parachinar are oppressed just like people in Palestine but no one is raising a voice against their killings. Are they sons of a lesser God?” Adeel said.

“We are against injustice against anyone regardless of their faith, ” he added.

Protests also erupted at Budgam, where protestors marched from Imambargah Budgam to Masjid-e-Sahib-e-Zaman, calling for an end to violence against the Shia minority in Pakistan.

The vigil concluded with a prayer for the victims.