Ashura in Kashmir: Celebrations Marked by Hatred for Israel, Provocation Towards Hindus, and a Reminder of the Islamic Takeover (Video)

As the Islamic month of Muharram unfolds in 2024, communities around the world brace for the annual surge in sectarian tensions and displays of extremist fervor. Particularly on the day of Ashura, what should be a period of Islamic religious observance turns into a time of heightened conflicts, violence, and public disorder.

In Kashmir, for example, Muharram observances involve mourning the martyrs of Karbala while expressing solidarity with Hamas and Palestine and openly displaying hatred for Israel and Jews. These events frequently serve as a rallying point for political statements and actions that inflame sectarian and regional tensions.

Muharram processions and gatherings often lead to clashes between Shia and Sunni Muslims, exacerbating long-standing divides. These events result in violence, property damage, and loss of life, showcasing the deep-rooted animosities within the Islamic world. Public displays of self-flagellation and mourning rituals can be seen as promoting a culture of violence and martyrdom, reinforcing extremist ideologies.

Moreover, the significant security measures required to manage Muharram events drain public resources and create unease in communities, both Muslim and non-Muslim. The disruptive nature of these observances often infringes on the daily lives of others, leading to resentment and tension.

While Muharram is intended to be a period of spiritual reflection and commemoration, its modern-day manifestations often highlight the darker aspects of Islam and sectarian conflict. This raises questions about the impact of such observances on broader societal harmony and peace. Many believe these events are held to stoke tensions and assert supremacy over both other Muslims and non-Muslims.

Kashmir, once a sacred land of ancient Hindu and Buddhist spirituality, has undergone a catastrophic transformation over the past centuries. What was once a peaceful and predominantly Hindu and Buddhist region has been forcibly converted into a Muslim-majority area through violence, coercion, and systematic targeting of non-Muslim minorities. Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs have been brutally murdered, driven out, or compelled to convert to Islam under the threat of death.

Today, the Muslim population in the Kashmir Valley is overwhelmingly dominant, and the overall population of Jammu and Kashmir reflects a sharp decline in Hindu and Buddhist presence due to the relentless persecution. The Muslim population stands at approximately 68.3%, with Hindus reduced to around 28.4% and Buddhists and Sikhs marginalized even further.

The region continues to be plagued by violence, primarily instigated by Pakistan-backed separatist groups and Islamic terrorists who seek to wrest Kashmir away from India. The Indian government’s courageous decision to repeal Article 370 and 35A in August 2019, ending the special autonomous status for Jammu and Kashmir, was a necessary step to reclaim control and integrate the region fully with India. However, this move has been met with fierce resistance from Muslims who wish to perpetuate Islamic dominance and separatism.

The vandalism of Hindu temples and the constant threats to the lives of non-Muslims in Kashmir are jarring reminders of the dangers posed by the unchecked spread of Islam. India must remain vigilant and resolute in its efforts to protect its cultural heritage and ensure the safety and rights of all its citizens in the face of this ongoing Islamic threat.