Lucknow Mosque Hosts Major Quds Day Protest Rally Against Israel and US
A significant protest demonstration unfolded at the historic Asifi Mosque in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, following the congregational Friday prayers. The event was strategically timed to coincide with International Quds Day, which this year fell on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, amplifying its symbolic resonance.
Organized Gathering with Strong Participation
The protest was formally organized by the prominent Islamic body, Majlis-e-Ulema-e-Hind, and was led by the influential Shia cleric, Maulana Kalbe Jawad Naqvi. A substantial gathering, comprising a large number of both men and women from the community, participated actively in the demonstration, showcasing widespread local engagement with the cause.
After the special namaz congregation led by Maulana Naqvi, the assembled crowd embarked on a peaceful march. Their destination was the platform area near the iconic Bara Imambara, a significant historical and cultural site in the city, where they consolidated their protest.
Slogans and Symbolic Acts of Defiance
During the assembly, demonstrators vociferously raised slogans calling for the liberation of Palestine and demanding the return of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to Muslim control. The protest also served as a platform to express vehement opposition to the foreign policies of both Israel and the United States.
In a powerful and symbolic act of protest, participants set fire to images of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This visual demonstration was intended to represent their strong condemnation of the actions and policies pursued by these nations in the Middle East.
Leadership Address Criticizes International Stance
Addressing the gathered crowd, Maulana Kalbe Jawad Naqvi delivered a pointed speech. He strongly criticized Israel's military actions and operations in the Gaza Strip, accusing the state of committing severe atrocities against Palestinian civilians.
Furthermore, the cleric explicitly criticized the role of the United States, which he described as enabling Israeli policies. He also expressed deep dissatisfaction and disappointment with what he characterized as a concerning silence and inaction from significant parts of the broader international community regarding the ongoing situation.
The protest in Lucknow underscores how global geopolitical issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, resonate and mobilize communities in India, leading to local demonstrations of solidarity and political expression on international days of significance.
