Calls for protection of Muslim heritage, rights
SRINAGAR: In a strong address at the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Mirwaiz Umar Farooq raised serious concerns over the recent court-ordered surveys of religious sites, calling for the protection of Muslim heritage and rights.
Mirwaiz referred to the tragic deaths of five Muslim youth in police firing during a survey of the historic Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, stating that it was “distressing and condemnable” that such violence had occurred during the survey ordered by a court. The youth were reportedly killed in what many see as a discriminatory police action. “The killing of these youth is very distressing and condemnable,” he said, condemning the police action.
Mirwaiz also highlighted the ongoing pattern of court-ordered surveys of Muslim religious sites, saying that the recent order in Rajasthan’s Ajmer, where the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Hazrat Moinuddin Chisti (RA) is now being surveyed. This follows the court-ordered survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque, and Mirwaiz questioned the underlying motive behind such actions. He expressed concern over what seemed to be a deliberate pattern, where doubts are raised about the authenticity of these sites, court orders follow, and then the majority’s claims are appeased. “This is a disturbing and serious issue for Muslims, not only in India and Kashmir but across the subcontinent and the world,” he stated.
Mirwaiz emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, an iconic pilgrimage site for Muslims worldwide, and highlighted its importance for the people of Kashmir. The shrine is linked to the spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent and is a symbol of Sufi teachings. “The shrine of the great Sufi Hazrat Moinuddin is revered by Muslims all over the world, and its significance for the people of Kashmir is immense,” he said.
He questioned the logic behind such court-ordered surveys, particularly when India is supposed to be a secular state according to its constitution, which includes the Places of Worship Act, meant to preserve the sanctity of religious sites. “If India is a secular state as per its preamble, then why are these issues continuously being raised and entertained?” Mirwaiz asked. “This is a dangerous trend being encouraged, and it can have very serious consequences.”
The Mirwaiz further referenced the ongoing concerns surrounding the Waqf Amendment Act, which has stirred unease among Muslims in both India and Jammu and Kashmir. He said the APHC has once again written to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) requesting a meeting to discuss these issues. “These developments are causing growing anxiety among Muslims,” he said.