The echo of the suicide attack on a Shia mosque in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on Friday (06 February) is clearly heard in the Kashmir Valley. Anti-Pakistan protests continued for the second consecutive day in Shia-dominated areas of Kashmir in protest against the death of 31 worshipers and injury to more than 170 people in this attack.
The protesters accused the Pakistan government of completely failing to protect religious minorities. In many areas of Baramulla and Bandipora, local people took to the streets carrying placards with pictures of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei and Ayatollah Khomeini. The protesters raised anti-Pakistan and Israel slogans and said that targeting innocent worshipers is a cowardly act.
‘Go and fight in Palestine instead of the mosque’
During the protests, people reacted sharply and said that if these attackers have to fight, then they should go to areas like Palestine, Yemen and Syria, where Muslims are actually facing oppression. Killing of innocent worshipers is anti-Islam.
ISPK took responsibility for the attack
According to ‘SITE Intelligence Group’, which monitors jihadi groups, the Islamic State (ISPK) has taken responsibility for this suicide attack. The organization issued a statement admitting that their suicide bomber targeted the Shia Jamaat inside the Khadijatul Kubra Mosque in Tarlai with the help of an explosive jacket.
Biggest attack in the capital since 2008
This blast is considered to be one of the deadliest attacks in the history of Islamabad. This is the biggest and scariest attack in the capital since the Marriott Hotel bomb blast in 2008, which has raised serious questions on the security system of Pakistan.
Candle march and solidarity
Protests had started in Inderkoot of Bandipora and Pattan area of ​​Baramulla from Friday (6 February) night itself. People lit candles and expressed condolences to the families of the victims and demanded the international community to put pressure on Pakistan to stop the communal violence.