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NC lashes out at Mehbooba for ‘putting imams under surveillance’
The National Conference (NC) on Tuesday lashed out at chief minister Mehbooba Mufti alleging that the government has started an extensive policy of putting mosque imams under surveillance through state police and CID.
The National Conference (NC) on Tuesday lashed out at chief minister Mehbooba Mufti alleging that the government has started an extensive policy of putting mosque imams under surveillance through state police and CID.
In a statement, the party alleged that the government was spying on the speeches of religious leaders to track political content in them. Earlier, reports had emerged in the local media that such surveillance was on “to check the politically-charged sermons and congregational activities”.
This comes close on the heels of Mehbooba criticising the Islamic clergy of the Kashmir valley over their raking up of Article 370 and other issues, last week.
NC spokesperson Junaid Mattu said the surveillance was a “direct interference” in the religious affairs of Kashmiris and has exposed Mehbooba and her party. “Mehbooba Mufti is trying to be more loyal than the king. Her anti-Muslim and anti-Islam statements have fueled the fire of Islamophobia and given ammunition to the likes of Taslima Nasreen who have not only rejoiced Mehbooba’s remarks but also congratulated her,” Mattu said in a statement.
Taslima Nasreen’s reaction
Commenting on chief minister’s remark that militant attacks are dealing a blow to Islam, Bangladeshi writer Nasreen had tweeted, “Congrats Madam Mehbooba Mufti for telling the truth. You said terror is an offshoot of Islam for which Muslims should be ashamed.”
The NC spokesperson added, “Now it’s evident that Mehbooba Mufti has declared an unofficial emergency in the state and is suspending all basic civil rights and liberties.”
“Mehbooba is playing with fire. She has no right to intimidate our clerics and religious scholars. Her behavior is anti-Muslim and violates the basic tenets of the constitution. Clerics have a right to preach what they deem fit. Any government regulation over Friday sermons is unacceptable,” he added.
