Onlykashmir.in News Desk
In a letter addressed to the Director General of Police (DGP), Jammu and Kashmir, prominent religious scholar Mufti Nasir ul Islam has raised serious concerns about the activities of religious preachers and self-proclaimed Moulvis who are allegedly spreading hate and creating sectarian divisions in Kashmir.
The letter highlights the growing threat posed by individuals using social media platforms to propagate divisive ideologies, which are undermining the communal harmony and peace of Jammu and Kashmir. Mufti Nasir ul Islam emphasized that these fake preachers are fueling tensions and creating a toxic atmosphere that could lead to instability.
In his appeal to the DGP, Mufti Nasir ul Islam, often referred to as the “Grand Mufti,” called for immediate intervention and strict action against such elements to prevent the spread of hate speech and preserve the long-standing tradition of unity and brotherhood among communities. He stressed the need for vigilance and proactive measures to identify and curb the activities of these individuals, who are exploiting religion for malicious purposes.
This development comes weeks after the arrest of a fake faith healer, Abdul Razzak, in Baramulla. Razzak was accused of deceiving people, particularly Muslim women, by promising them ‘Jannat Ka Rasta’ (the road to heaven). Reports reveal that Razzak had constructed a black structure resembling the Kaaba in Saudi Arabia on his property and claimed to be a ‘Paigambar’ (messenger of God) to locals.
Earlier this week, a court in Jammu and Kashmir sentenced a fake faith healer to 14 years in prison for committing unnatural offenses with dozens of children. Chief Judicial Magistrate Mir Wajahat of Sopore convicted Aijaz Ahmad Sheikh under Section 377 (unnatural offenses) of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC).
At the beginning of this year, the Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested six individuals in Srinagar for inciting sectarian unrest with “derogatory remarks.” This action followed growing sectarian tensions in the Kashmir Valley over a video containing offensive comments about Islamic caliphs.
Additionally, infighting between different schools of thought often played out through sermons and social media, has seen a concerning rise. Clips of such disputes from various districts across the Valley have flooded social media platforms. Netizens fear that with the onset of the holy month of Ramadan, these conflicts could escalate further, necessitating urgent attention.
The citizens and civil society groups have welcomed Mufti Nasir ul Islam’s initiative and expressed hope that the authorities will take swift and decisive action to curb hatemongering and ensure peace prevails in the Kashmir Valley.
