By Ovais Gull
Srinagar: The business community of Kashmir criticized government of India of harassing leaders, institutions and organisations in Kashmir particularly Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Mirwaiz was summoned by the NIA to investigate alleged terror funding.
The traders who addressed a joint presser included The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I), Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK) ,Shehr- e -Khaas Coordination Committee, Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF(R), Jamia Traders Association, Beopar Mandal S R Gunj, Central Traders & Manufacturers Association, and Kashmir Welfare Transporters Association.
“Socio-religious institutions are a part of our history and culture. Their role in upliftment of the poor, supporting orphans and imparting education and Islamic values to a majority of the population is unparalleled,” they said.
They said that any attempt to weaken these institutions and their leaders by making motivated accusations is being seen as an direct interference in our religious affairs.
“We are of the firm conviction that under present abnormal conditions prevailing in the State, the Government shall act more cordially to avoid harassment to Kashmiris. This must also be taken note of that Dr. Mirwaiz Umer Farooq is the religious head of the State,” they said.
Besides being Mirwaiz of J&K this family is connected for centuries with the people of Kashmir, they told media persons, adding that they have remained torch bearers providing platform for imparting education, inculcating of spiritual and moral values besides social services. Not only do the Muslims of Kashmir but even the Kashmiri pandiths and sikhs have high esteem towards this dynasty since centuries.
“This time also Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid under his patronage is continuing such activities.”
“The business community of Kashmir unitedly condemn the brazen attempts at politicization of the situation in Kashmir. Throughout the country, our community is being targeted economically and socially. There are cases of murderous physical assaults. A section of the social and electronic media are being used to tarnish our image. A number of innocent people and leaders have been jailed and are being intimidated. The Valley appears to be under siege. Our socio-religious institutions are being interfered with,” the traders said.
They claimed and accused that there seems to be a concerted attempt to cause disruptions and provoke the peace loving population.
“The Government should take immediate corrective measures for defusing the situation.”
