Government silent as religious clerics face harassment in Kashmir: Mehbooba
Srinagar, Jan 14, KNT: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday strongly criticised the alleged profiling of mosques in Kashmir, terming it an attempt to intimidate Muslims and keep them away from religion.
Talking to reporters, Mehbooba Mufti questioned the intent behind what she described as a detailed profiling exercise, which allegedly includes a five-page proforma seeking extensive information. She said clerics and even individuals labelled as overground workers are being asked to fill in personal and religious details.
“If profiling is really needed, then it should begin with temples. Do you carry out such exercises in temples or churches?” she asked, adding that mosques are open to all and do not discriminate. She also objected to questions being asked about religious sects, saying identifying people as Shia or Sunni reflects a dangerous mindset.
Mehbooba Mufti said profiling of mosques has started in Kashmir and expressed apprehension that it could soon be extended across the country. She alleged that there is growing intimidation of religious clerics and regretted that the government has maintained silence on the issue.
She further claimed that hatred against Muslims has reached an extreme level and alleged that respectable citizens are being targeted. Referring to the termination of employees in recent years, she said those affected were not even given an opportunity to plead their cases.
The PDP chief also alleged that with the approach of January 26, released militants are routinely summoned to police stations and detained, which she termed as harassment.
Mehbooba Mufti criticized what she described as attempts to blame her party when authorities fail to find alternatives. “It is enough now. How long will Muslims and Kashmiri inhabitants continue to be humiliated?” she asked.
Taking a dig at the present leadership, she said that if the current government lacks the authority to speak, at least Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah should raise his voice. She also cautioned against what she termed as the weaponisation of water and criticised any move to align with the BJP’s stand on the Indus Water Treaty.
Mehbooba Mufti further alleged that former chief minister Farooq Abdullah had handed over power projects to NHPC, resulting in losses for Jammu and Kashmir. She questioned whether Omar Abdullah would compensate for those losses suffered by the people. [KNT]
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