Srinagar, Nov 22 (KNO): Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference and head of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) Friday condemned alleged torture of five civilians in Kishtwar.
According to a statement, issued to news agency--Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Mirwaiz while addressing Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar said the images circulating in the media depicting severe torture marks on their bodies have raised significant concerns about human rights violations in the region.
As per the statement Mirwaiz expressed deep sorrow over the incident, highlighting the ongoing issue of impunity and abuse of authority that has plagued the Kashmir conflict for decades. He emphasized that perpetrators of such acts are rarely held accountable, but hoped that the inquiry ordered by the authorities will lead to justice for the victims.
Mirwaiz addressed another pressing issue regarding a recent directive from a BJP-ruled state mandating that Mutawalis (caretakers) seek consent from a state-appointed Waqf head before delivering Friday sermons.
He described this move as a direct attack on the religious rights and freedoms of the Muslim community, asserting that it exceeds the jurisdiction of any Waqf Board.
"This directive exposes the true motives behind the Waqf Amendment Bill introduced by the BJP in Parliament," he said, adding that state control over religious rights and affairs is completely unacceptable and will be met with strong opposition from Muslims."
The MMU has formally reached out to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), requesting a meeting to present their concerns regarding these amendments.
"Despite being a Muslim-majority region, their requests for dialogue have yet to materialize. With reports indicating that the Waqf Bill may be presented again in Parliament, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq urged lawmakers to refrain from making hasty decisions that could further infringe upon the rights of the Muslim community."
The statement reads that MMU remains committed to advocating for the rights and freedoms of Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir and will continue to oppose any legislation perceived as an assault on their religious institutions--(KNO)