Conflict

Biz community protests against NIA summon against Mirwaiz, call it ‘direct interference with religious affairs’

Srinagar: The Business community of Kashmir on Friday held a protest against the summoning of Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq by the NIA to Delhi and the crackdown on religious leaders.

Various trade bodies who had gathered during the protest condemned the summoning of Mirwaiz and termed the move as a ‘direct interference with the religious affairs of the people.’

The sit in was attended by the representatives of various organisations which included KEA, KTMF, KCCI, KTMF(R), Beopar Mandal S R Gunj, and transport bodies.

The traders said that Mirwaiz is an institution which is unique to Kashmiri’s cultural ethos. They added that Muslims of Kashmir, irrespective of their political ideologies have  a deep emotional and religious association with the pulpit of Jamia Masjid.

They added that apart from Muslims, even Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs have high regard for the Mirwaiz.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in his Friday sermon said that New Delhi cannot intimidate Kashmiri by issuing summons. Mirwaiz was referring to the summon of the NIA which was issued to him asking him to present himself before the agency in New Delhi.

The chief cleric of Kashmir also added that Kashmiri will continue to seek peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute.

“Is seeking peaceful resolution of Kashmir terrorism,” Mirwaiz asked.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had been summoned by the National Investigation Agency recently. However, Mirwaiz added that he won’t go to New Delhi but give a written reply to the NIA .

In his written reply according to his legal counsel ‘it was unwise for his client to travel to Delhi under the prevailing conditions of hostility wherein there is a threat to the personal safety of my client.’

Earlier, Hurriyat (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani said that if NIA wants to question anyone, they can do it in the valley itself.

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