Thousands of mourners from Sankoo and the Suru Valley participated in a solemn mourning procession carrying a symbolic coffin in Sankoo Sub-Division of Kargil on July 9.

The procession was organised by Anjuman-e-Sahib Zaman, Kargil, and Anjuman-e-Inquilab-e-Mehdi, Kargil, drawing large participation from men, women and children who gathered to express grief, solidarity and reverence.

Participants carried black flags, recited traditional nohas (mourning elegies) and performed chest beating as part of the mourning rituals. Many also carried portraits of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom they described as their spiritual and ideological leader.

Prominent religious scholars addressed the gathering, paid tribute to Ayatollah Khamenei and offered prayers. They described the procession as a symbol of collective mourning, remembrance and solidarity while emphasising the values of faith, sacrifice, justice and unity.

The atmosphere remained solemn throughout the procession as participants paid homage and expressed their condolences.

Participants also referred to reports of the recent regional conflict, which they said had resulted in the loss of many lives, including civilians and children, and expressed grief over its humanitarian impact.

Similar mourning processions, congregational gatherings and special prayers were also organised across Kargil and other parts of Ladakh, expressing solidarity with those affected by the conflict and reaffirming the community's commitment to the ideals of faith, justice and unity.