Mirwaiz Condemns NC Leader’s Statement on Liquor Ban Impacting J&K’s Economy
Stressed on return of Kashmiri Pandits; Calls for Release of Political Prisoners, Condemns Seizure of Literature and Disallowing of Prayers at Jamia Masjid
Ubaid Mehdi
Srinagar, Feb 16 (KB): Top religious cleric of Jammu and Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the statement made by a National Conference leader, who claimed that banning liquor would impact Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. He termed the statement “irresponsible” and criticized the notion that J&K, being a tourist state, should allow liquor sales.
“We must remember that Jammu and Kashmir is a Muslim-majority region. Tourism in J&K has existed for a long time, and it does not depend on liquor sales. Where are they trying to take this society by advocating for the introduction of liquor here?” Mirwaiz questioned.
He further pointed out that several Indian states have imposed a liquor ban. “If other states can ban liquor, why not J&K? Talking about liquor sales under the pretext of generating revenue is unfortunate and regretful,” he added.
On the Return of Kashmiri Pandits
Addressing the issue of the return of Kashmiri Pandits, Mirwaiz emphasized that it is a humanitarian matter. “Every community in J&K wants Kashmiri Pandits to return with the same love and harmony. We are willing to put in every effort to facilitate their return,” he said.
Mirwaiz dismissed the proposal for separate settlements for Kashmiri Pandits in South Kashmir, stating, “Kashmir has always been a shared space for people of different faiths.” He added, “Many Kashmiri Pandits themselves wish to return in a manner that upholds J&K’s traditional coexistence.”
He suggested that Muslims should first engage in intra-community discussions involving every section of society to take an initiative for the return of Kashmiri Pandits.
On the Current Situation in J&K
Speaking about the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Mirwaiz said, “The situation is clear to everyone. Neither was Shab-e-Baraat allowed, nor am I permitted to offer Friday prayers. Apart from that, every morning, I wake up with apprehensions about whether I will be allowed to step outside or not.”
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On the Termination of Government Employees
Mirwaiz termed the termination of employees from government services as unfortunate. “With just one stroke, the government is terminating employees without even listening to their side of the story. If someone is involved in wrongdoing, let there be an inquiry, and their point of view should be heard. But dismissing someone arbitrarily is unfair,” he stated.
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On Education and Literature
Commenting on the changes in educational content, Mirwaiz expressed concern over the banning of certain books. “Now, we are being told which chapters should be included in books. This is unfortunate. In an era when everything is accessible on the internet, targeting our books in this manner is clearly an attempt to control narratives,” he remarked.
He reiterated that dialogue has always been his stance. “We have always advocated for dialogue, and I have also said it here in this function,” he said.
On Political Prisoners
Speaking about political prisoners languishing in different jails across the country, Mirwaiz said, “This is a serious issue. They have been in jail for the past seven to eight years, and their cases are still pending. Youth, journalists, and their families are suffering due to this. The government must address this issue and ensure justice by releasing them,” he said. (Kashmir Bulletin – KB)
