August M
Demonstrators from the Shia community gathered in the town of Kargil, in the Shia-majority Ladakh district, to stage a highly symbolic protest as tensions involving Iran continue to mount. The rally drew attention for its imagery and slogans aimed at international leaders.
The protest reflected strong support for Iran’s leadership and took place amid wider unrest linked to Iran, including reports of protests and crackdowns elsewhere.
Who was involved
According to The Express, the demonstration was organised by members of the local Shia community, who voiced solidarity with Iran and its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Protesters said the rally was intended to show ideological and religious alignment with Iran’s Shia leadership.
Community leaders addressing the crowd described the event as peaceful. One organiser said: “Our demonstration reflects solidarity with what we see as our religious and moral leadership. It is a non-violent expression of opinion.”
Participants also said the protest aimed to communicate support for the Iranian population during a period of heightened tension.
Coffin symbolism
Footage from the rally showed coffins being dragged through the streets while demonstrators chanted in praise of Iran’s leadership. One coffin was draped in the United States flag and displayed an image of US President Donald Trump on the front.
A sign attached to the coffin read: “GO TO HELL.” A second coffin bore the Israeli flag along with a printed image of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and carried the same message.
Further along the route, protesters were seen waving Iranian and Indian flags and holding large banners aimed at Trump and Netanyahu. The banners accused the two leaders of taking antagonistic positions toward Iran and the wider Muslim community, The Express reported.
Wider tensions
The Express noted that the protest comes as the Iranian regime has killed thousands of protesters in a brutal crackdown, with images showing body bags lining streets in some cities.
The report also follows comments by Trump urging Iranians to “keep protesting,” adding that “help is on the way.” It remains unclear what he meant by the statement.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on January 12 that airstrikes were among the “many, many options” under consideration, while stressing that diplomacy “was always the first option,” according to The Express.
Sources: The Express
