SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday raised concerns over recent court-ordered surveys of religious sites during a Friday congregation at Jama Masjid Srinagar. He pointed to the survey of the 500-year-old Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, and condemned the incident as discriminatory.
Mirwaiz highlighted that, while this matter was ongoing, another court in Rajasthan’s Ajmer ordered a survey of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, associated with Sufi saint Hazrat Moinuddin Chisti (Rah). He noted that prior to this, the Gyanvapi Mosque had also been surveyed under court orders. “There seems to be a pattern where doubts are raised, followed by court-ordered surveys, leading to claims that satisfy the majority. The Babri Masjid issue, with its claims, demolition, and subsequent court handling, is still remembered by Muslims,” he said.
He said that such actions impact Muslims in India, Kashmir, and beyond. “The shrine of Hazrat Moinuddin, visited by thousands daily, holds significance for Kashmiris and Muslims worldwide. It is tied to the history and spread of Islam in the subcontinent,” Mirwaiz said.
Mirwaiz called these actions, supported by the judiciary and government, as undermining religious sentiments. “If India is a secular state as stated in its preamble and governed by the Places of Worship Act, why are these issues raised and entertained?” he asked. He warned that the continuation of this trend could have serious consequences.
He also raised concerns over the Waqf amendment, calling it an issue for Muslims in India and JK. The Muslim Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) has sent a letter to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) requesting a meeting on the matter. “Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir, like those in India and the subcontinent, are watching these developments closely. If this mindset continues, the authorities will be responsible for any backlash,” Mirwaiz said.
Mirwaiz criticised the police for preventing media coverage of his speech at Jama Masjid by barring journalists from entering. He stressed the need for a free press, stating that it is important for the media to report on public interest matters.
