A public rage has erupted over the reports of the alleged forced conversion of a non-state person at Dargah Hazratbal Srinagar on Friday. The video of the conversion incident went viral on social media platforms in which a cleric of Dargah was seen administrating oath to a non-local youth in presence of people.
On Saturday a local news agency KDC reported that Jammu and Kashmir police registered an FIR into an incident that took place on Jumat-ul-Vida, wherein a non-local reportedly converted to Islam, termed by the police FIR as a “forced conversion.”
“The dissemination of this video has stirred unrest among the public and raised concerns about religious harmony and tolerance. The incident has also evoked strong reactions beyond the borders of Jammu and Kashmir and UT, potentially fueling sectarianism and communal discord,” the police mentioned in the FIR.
Initial investigation revealed that a person (name withheld) was allegedly mentally manipulated by the owner of the house, a resident of Nowhatta, and took him to Dargah for conversion.
“FIR no. 55/2024 has been registered at Police Station Nigeen under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant), 298 (Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings), 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), and 153-A (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony),” the news agency KDC said in its report.
As the news of “forced conversion” came into light public circles in Kashmir expressed regret stating such actions not only violate the basic principles of religious freedom but also sow seeds of division in societies. They said it is incumbent upon us to condemn such actions without reason and stand in solidarity with those who are victims of such oppression.
A scholar while talking to Onlykashmir[dot]in pleading anonymity said “In fact, religious freedom is a fundamental human right enshrined in several international declarations and conventions. This includes the right to choose, change or practice one’s religion or belief without coercion or undue influence. Forced conversions directly violate this principle, robbing individuals of their autonomy and dignity.”
Mohammad Idrees a netizen, hailing the Jammu and Kashmir Police for registering case, said it has been a tradition in Kashmir Valley that respect for religious diversity is paramount. Here, everyone is free to explore and practice their faith without fear of persecution or intimidation. Forced conversion not only violates this principle but also damages the fabric of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect between different religious communities.
He said it is important for all concerned including police and civil administration, Jammu Kashmir Waqf Board, religious leaders and civil society organizations to take serious notice of this incident for tolerance of religious diversity and take action against those involved so that there is understanding in the valley.
J&K Waqf Board Chairperson could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.
