• Jewellery, vehicles, savings, and livestock among key contributions
• Iranian Embassy acknowledges Kashmir’s “unforgettable solidarity”
Irfan Yattoo
Srinagar, March 23: A wave of humanitarian support is sweeping across Kashmir as people from different backgrounds come forward to donate money, gold, and personal belongings for civilians affected by the ongoing war in Iran.
From cities to villages, the growing response reflects a strong sense of solidarity, with many contributing whatever they can despite financial constraints.
From Srinagar to Budgam, Bandipora, and Baramulla, the response has been widespread, particularly in Shia-dominated areas where youth-led campaigns have intensified over the past several days.
Volunteers have been moving door-to-door, mobilising support through mosque announcements, social media outreach, and local networks.
Locals said the campaign gathered momentum after Eid-ul-Fitr, with contributions cutting across social and economic lines.
Women, children, daily wage earners and traders have all stepped forward, often donating beyond their means despite prevailing financial challenges in the region.
Syed Mohsin Rizvi of Zadibal, who donated his car and his children’s Eid savings for relief efforts, said that “What is happening in Iran is heartbreaking. The least we can do is stand with the suffering people. We did not celebrate Eid this year. Instead, we chose to contribute, he said.
In this campaign, women are the front runners, who not only donate their jewellery but are also donating house hold things.
Zubaida Ali, a resident of Budgam, donated her wedding bangles.
“These were given to me by my parents, but if they can help someone in distress, that matters more,” she said.
In Mirgund Pattan, Fatima Zehra sold jewellery worth ₹1.5 lakh and donated the entire amount. “If I had more, I would have given more. Humanity comes first,” she said, adding that the decision was taken collectively by her family despite their modest income.
Volunteers say such contributions are not isolated. Ghulam Hassan Mir from Ganderbal said women have been coming forward quietly, placing jewellery, utensils and even mobile phones into donation boxes.
“Some were emotional, but they said this is their duty. Humanity is more valuable than material things,” he said.
In Shahtulpora and Chanamohalla Inderkote in Bandipora’s Sumbal area, local organisers said collections have reached nearly ₹15 lakh in gold and ₹6 lakh in cash within days.
Youth and daily wage earners have also made remarkable contributions. In Magam, Budgam, Majid Ali Mir, a labourer, sold his two-wheeler for ₹1.10 lakh and donated the proceeds. “I earn daily, but I felt I must contribute something meaningful,” he said.
Similar gestures have emerged from across the Valley. In Syed Mirak Shah Colony, a youth donated his bike, while in Goom village, a resident contributed sheep.
Reports of livestock donations have also surfaced from rural pockets of Baramulla and Bandipora. Children, too, have played a heartfelt role and they are not lagging behind.
In Nowgam, Sonawari, a young boy, Mohammad Ali, donated savings collected over three years. In another widely shared instance, a child gave away a bicycle gifted to him on Eid. In Parisabad, Budgam, a minor donated gold belonging to his deceased mother.
Volunteers said such small contributions, when combined, are forming a substantial part of the overall collection.
“People are coming on their own. Nobody is forcing them. They feel connected to the suffering,” said Mohammad Qasim Abasi, a volunteer from HMT Srinagar.
Donation drives are currently underway across multiple districts, coordinated by local organisations and religious bodies, including the All J&K Shia Association.
Collection points have been set up in areas like Khanpora Khag, Sumbal and Sonawari, with volunteers ensuring transparency and documentation.
The Iranian Embassy in India has acknowledged the contributions, describing them as acts of “love and solidarity” and stating that such kindness “will never be forgotten.”
President of the All J&K Shia Association, Imran Raza Ansari, said people have donated “not just wealth, but deep emotion and faith,” adding that all contributions will be handed over to the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi with full accountability.
MLA Zadibal and JKNC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the response reflects a “remarkable testament to compassion and collective conscience”.
“The way people from villages to towns have stepped forward in support of humanitarian relief efforts through official channels is inspiring,” he said in a post on X.
MLA Budgam, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, has announced the donation of his one month’s salary for humanitarian aid to the people of Iran.
“I stand in solidarity with the people of Iran during this difficult time. As a small gesture, I am donating my one month’s salary towards relief efforts. Humanity must come before everything, he wrote on his X handle.
