People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi have suspended their election campaigns in response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Saturday, sparking protests in Srinagar and Budgam where demonstrators voiced their anger with anti-Israel and anti-US slogans.
In a post on social media, Mehbooba Mufti announced her decision, stating, “Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza, especially Hassan Nasrallah. We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief and resistance.”
Aga Ruhullah Mehdi also cancelled his campaign on Saturday and joined the protests late evening.
Reports indicate that security forces were deployed in areas of protest to prevent potential unrest. Traffic disruptions were also reported across Srinagar.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Nasrallah’s death, stating it was a key step in Israel’s goals, including the resettlement of displaced citizens and pressuring Hamas to release Israeli hostages. Hezbollah, while confirming the death of its leader, vowed to continue its resistance against Israel.