Srinagar: A strong wave of solidarity has emerged from Kashmir, especially from Shia-dominated areas, with people across districts stepping forward to support crisis affected Middle East country Iran. What began as a local effort, has quickly turned into a widespread humanitarian movement across Budgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal and parts of Srinagar.
Mosques, imambaras and community halls have become collection centres, even as volunteers moving door to door, to gather donations. There is no formal call by any top echelon, yet participation has been overwhelming.
Women and children are leading the effort. An elderly widow woman donated gold bangles she had kept safe for 28 years.
In many homes, women broke open jewellery boxes and gave away items saved for weddings and family needs, and these contributions form a large part of the collections.
Children are equally playing a role. Many brought piggy banks filled over the years. Some broke them open at collection points. In a few cases, children even donated their bicycles so they could be sold for relief funds.
Families are contributing in every way they can. Cash donations have reached lakhs within hours in some areas, with gold and silver ornaments coming in steadily. Copper utensils from kitchens are being handed over. Some people have pledged livestock and even land. In a rare gesture, a man donated his vehicle, saying it should serve people affected by the crisis.
The donation drives have covered several areas of Srinagar including Zadibal, Hassanabad, Shalimar, Qamarwari, Lawaypora and Bemina. In central Kashmir, people from Dab, Shalhar, Tokhra Pora, Sadat Mohalla and Bhatpora in Ganderbal district.
In Bandipora, residents of Inderkote Sumbal joined the effort. Similar drives are active across Budgam and Baramulla, especially in Shia dominated areas.
Those who have set the collection centers said contributions include cash, gold, silverware and copper utensils.
Locals describe the effort as deeply emotional and rooted in a sense of shared humanity. Members of the Sunni community have also come forward and contributed wholeheartedly.
Shia leader Imran Ansari said people have responded with strong faith and devotion, calling it a moral and religious duty to support those in need. He urged authorities to allow the process to continue with dignity and without unnecessary pressure. He also raised concern over reports that some volunteers received calls questioning the source of funds.
Political leaders including Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Aga Ruhullah Mehdi have over the days visited Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and expressed solidarity, and highlighted the scale of public response from Kashmir.
The Iranian Embassy has thanked the people of Kashmir and India. The embassy said they were deeply moved by gestures such as elderly women donating lifelong savings and children offering their small possessions. They said such acts reflect true humanity and will not be forgotten.
Across Kashmir, the effort continues without pause. Volunteers remain active. People are still waiting with donations in their hands.
Each contribution carries a story. Gold saved for decades, coins collected over years, and everyday belongings being turned into relief away from eyes but not from heart.
