War in Mideast spurs Muslims in Indian-controlled Kashmir to collect donations for Iran

More than a thousand miles from the Iran war, Muslim residents in Indian-controlled Kashmir are collecting donations for Iranians: gold, cash, even utensils and livestock. Community leaders and elders have set up stalls in this part of the disputed Himalayan region, which is overwhelmingly Muslim and split between India and Pakistan but coveted in its entirety by both. Young volunteers go door-to-door to collect contributions. Women are donating their gold jewelry, bangles and earrings. Many households have offered their traditional copperware or livestock, and children have brought in their savings — some carrying piggy banks to collection points. Some wealthier residents are sending cash to the Iranian Embassy’s relief account in New Delhi, set up earlier this month. “My heart is with Iran, and I am offering my only pair of gold earrings,” said Shazia Batool, a young girl. “Sending help is the least we can do.” Donations surged on Saturday, when Muslims celebrated Eid...