Watch: 8-Year-Old Jammu Girl Breaks Piggy Bank, Donates Two Years’ Savings for Iran

Hundreds of people from the Shia community gathered at an Imambara in Chanderkot in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district on Tuesday, contributing money and essential items to support those affected by the ongoing conflict in Iran.

The mass donation drive saw locals offering household utensils, gold, silver and even livestock in a show of solidarity.

The initiative forms part of a broader fundraising campaign across Kashmir that has drawn praise from Tehran.

At the same time, prominent voices have alleged that organisers are facing scrutiny, with some reportedly being questioned by central agencies over the collection process.

Scenes from the drive, widely shared on social media, showed men, women and children queuing at multiple locations to donate.

Children were seen stepping forward with their piggy banks, while women parted with jewellery. In one instance, a man donated his sheep.

Eight-year-old Zoya Fatima broke her piggy bank publicly with a stone. “This includes my collections of two years. I am doing it for Iran,” she said.

How are women in Kashmir contributing jewellery to support Iran relief efforts?

Women donated gold and silver ornaments, including bangles and earrings, some even removing them from their children.

In another video, a disabled girl crawled to a collection centre to hand over a gold ornament.

Most contributions came from Shia-dominated areas, though organisers said Sunnis also participated generously. In Budgam, a stall was set up at Masjid Imam Zaman to collect donations.

“I have come here to donate money in support of Iran, alongside many others who have gathered for the same cause,” Bushra Shakir told ANI.

Mohsin Ali, a resident of Budgam, said, “At Masjid Imam Zaman, we have set up a stall with the sincere purpose of collecting donations. Our mothers and sisters are contributing jewellery, copper, and cash so that we can support Iran in its current situation.”

Why are Kashmir residents offering financial aid to support Iran?

“Since it is not currently within our power to physically go there to support, we are in a position where we can at least provide financial assistance. We have gathered here for this financial aid to support Iran and to serve humanity,” he said.

“Iran has essentially stood up against the oppressor and in support of the oppressed," he added.

"By supporting Iran's cause, we are helping the oppressed and raising our voices against the oppressor. Since we cannot be there on the battlefield ourselves, we have chosen to provide financial support so they can defend their system and fight against the enemy,” he said.

Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi of the Peoples Democratic Party said he was donating a month’s salary for the relief effort.

Iran’s embassy in New Delhi expressed gratitude for the support, thanking both the “kind people of Kashmir” and “India”.

“With hearts full of gratitude, we sincerely thank the kind people of Kashmir for standing with the people of Iran through their humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity; this kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you, India,” the embassy posted on X.

How did Kashmir’s emotional donations for Iran move the Iranian embassy?

The embassy shared several videos of the donations, including one of a woman breaking into tears.

“A respected sister from Kashmir donated the gold kept as a memento of her husband, who passed away 28 years ago, with a heart full of love and solidarity for the people of #Iran,” it posted.

“Your tears and pure emotions are the greatest source of comfort for the people of Iran and will never be forgotten. Thank you #Kashmir. Thank you #India.” It later said a dedicated bank account had been established to streamline aid delivery.

Kashmir had earlier witnessed large protests against US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Political leaders across party lines in the Valley have expressed support for Iran.

Senior police officer Imtiyaz Hussain also appeared to express support indirectly in a social media post. “Hussain, you are no more, your house is no more. But there is no fear of oppressors after you,” he said.

Shia leader Imran Reza Ansari flagged concerns over alleged scrutiny of organisers.

“Some individuals involved in the collection process are reportedly receiving calls from various authorities seeking details about the funds, collectors and contributors, etc,” he said.

“At this sensitive moment, it is important to reassure everyone that these donations are purely for a humanitarian and religious cause, meant to support the people of Iran in their time of need,” he posted.

“The emotions of the people are deeply involved, and any unnecessary pressure or questioning may hurt public sentiment.”

“I urge the authorities that such matters be handled with understanding and respect, allowing this collective act of faith and solidarity to continue with dignity,” he added.

(With inputs from ANI)