SRINAGAR: Sections in rightwing parties are trying to disturb the communal amity in Jammu, local Muslim leaders said. They have been resorting to “provocative” actions in the city of temples so that they situation is disrupted.
Muslims protest outside Ustad Mohalla Masjid in Old Jammu City after Friday prayers against these actions, last week.
They were seeking action against the miscreants who had shouted provocative slogans outside the mosque the other evening when the faithful were in late-night Taraveh prayers.
Residents said some motor-bikers reached outside the mosque and shouted provocative. The frightened community members went to police station Pacca Danga but they alleged there was no official to listen to them. The next morning, their deputation called on ADC Jammu Anuradha at her office and appraised her about the incident.
Given the lackadaisical attitude of the officials, the minority community formally protested after the Friday prayers. They said that the hooligans want to disrupt peace and could use anything – from a cricket match to the Taraveh – to create fuss. They have sought intervention by the police in securing the minorities in Jammu.
Jammu Muslim Front (JMF) has strongly condemned silence of administration and police with regard to the Ustad Mohalla incident.
“The police have failed nabbing these elements who are hell bent to disturb communal harmony, “Imran Qazi of the Front was quoted saying. “They cannot force minorities to remain under fear with their jingoism.”
In sloganeering outside the mosque, Qazi apprehended a conspiracy to put on fire Jammu which has remained an example of mutual brotherhood between different communities. “The administration must know, if these elements are not controlled and put behind the bars, they cannot ensure peace in Jammu,” he added.
The concerns have reached Srinagar. Senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani has alleged that authorities and “fanatical forces” were preparing ground for genocide of Jammu Muslims. He has asked authorities to stop harassment of minorities or there will be dire consequences. He said that it has been “proved beyond doubt” that local administration including ADC and police “too are a part of this dirty game plan.”
“We will do whatever is possible and won’t leave Muslim community in Jammu at the mercy of these fanatical forces,” Geelani was quoted saying.
