Srinagar, April 8 – Spontaneous celebrations erupted in the Kashmir Valley on Wednesday as Kashmiris hailed the US and Iran's announced bilateral ceasefire as a victory for the Muslim 'Ummah' (community).
People burst firecrackers and took to the streets in jubilation in the districts of Baramulla, Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, and Pulwama.
The joy and celebration stemmed from the general belief among Muslims that the US and Israel agreeing to a ceasefire means a 'victory for Iran and its brave people'.
Carrying Iranian flags, people expressed joy over the announcement and burst crackers to celebrate. They also distributed Kashmiri 'kehwa' (tea) as part of the festivities.
People called the ceasefire a "victory" of Iran over the US and Israel.
Shia community leaders said that the brave people of Iran have brought the US and Israel to their knees.
Whether or not the ceasefire indicates victory for any side, the fact that US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on social media hours after he declared that an entire civilization would disappear unless Iran agreed to US terms, has come as a great sense of relief to everyone.
A general sense of gloom and grief had descended upon the Valley on March 1 after the news about the assassination of the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reached Kashmir.
The peaceful protests initially started in Shia Muslim-dominated areas of the Valley and were later joined by Sunni Muslims as well.
Fearing that anti-national and anti-social elements might hijack the peaceful protests, authorities had imposed restrictions in law and order-sensitive areas.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had then rushed to Srinagar from the winter capital Jammu to hold a meeting with prominent citizens, social, political, and religious leaders, and those from the business community.
He had appealed to the people to observe grief and mourning with dignity. He received a positive response from all sections of society, and his efforts helped authorities lift the restrictions and allow life to start normally in Kashmir.