Srinagar: Senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has voiced significant concerns about the conditions faced by Muslims in India, citing an atmosphere of fear and terror. His comments came during a gathering at the shrine of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani in the Khanyar area of Srinagar, in what is termed by some as Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mirwaiz detailed the various adversities facing the Muslim community in India, including targeted killings, systemic prejudice, and the destruction of their homes and mosques. He specifically pointed out recent incidents of demolitions as manifestations of discriminatory policies, urging Indian leaders to cease such actions.
Further addressing the attendees, Mirwaiz criticized the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, viewing it as a move to disenfranchise Muslims, and declared that any such attempts would be vehemently opposed. He also commented on international issues, mentioning the ongoing crisis in Palestine, which he described as a situation causing distress not only to Muslims but to humanity at large.
Mirwaiz used the teachings of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani to emphasize the importance of mosques in Islam, not just as places of worship but as community centers that facilitate discussions on religious, social, economic, and political matters pertinent to Muslims.