Police have registered two separate FIRs against participants of Youm-e-Quds processions in Kashmir, citing law and order concerns and alleged support for banned organizations.
In Baramulla’s Pattan, police booked individuals under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for displaying Hezbollah flags and raising slogans in support of the group. Officials said the participants also carried placards and banners featuring a slain Hezbollah commander during a rally in Chainabal, Pattan.
“An FIR (No. 49/2025) has been registered at Police Station Pattan against those promoting terrorism. The investigation is underway,” a police official told media.
In Beerwah, Budgam, another FIR (No. 33/2025) was filed after a large procession blocked the Sonpah-Beerwah road and raised what police termed “objectionable slogans.” The case has been registered under Sections 126(2) and 189(6) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
“A case has been registered against the organizers and participants for disrupting public movement and attempting to create a law and order situation,” a Budgam police statement read.
The processions were part of Youm-e-Quds (Al-Quds Day), an annual event observed worldwide in support of Palestine and against Israeli occupation. People in different parts of Kashmir took out rallies carrying Palestinian flags and chanting pro-Palestine slogans.
Altaf Ahmad, a resident of Budgam, questioned the police action: “We were only expressing solidarity with Palestine. Why is that a crime?”
Another protester in Pattan, speaking anonymously, said: “This day has been observed for decades. Why are we suddenly being targeted?”
Authorities, however, defended the FIRs. “We urge people to maintain peace and not engage in activities that disturb public order,” a police spokesperson stated.
