PDP leader and MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para on Thursday said that the people of Kashmir must stand up and speak for the 24 crore Muslims of India who are looking towards them to defend their religious identity and sacred places across the country.
“India is the second-largest Muslim country. There are issues concerning our masjids and shrines—like those at Nizamuddin and Jamia Masjid—and we need to speak up. The 24 crore Muslims of India are waiting for the people of Kashmir to raise their voice,” Para said, while addressing a party convention in Srinagar, as per news agency JKNS.
He asserted that religious interference is unacceptable. “When I don’t interfere in temples or Hindu religious practices, why should anyone interfere in my religion?” he said.
Highlighting the importance of the occasion, Para said, “We are here today to send a message—to protect our masjids and shrines.”
Taking a dig at former RAW chief A.S. Dulat, he said, “Dulat is being portrayed as an expert on Kashmir. He is part of Farooq Abdullah’s circle. When he visits here, he goes to their house.”
Referring to Dulat’s claim that Dr. Farooq Abdullah was ready to go with the BJP on August 5, Para said, “We had an alliance with the BJP and people were angry with us. But now they (National Conference) don’t have an alliance, yet they have a deal with the BJP.”
He also targeted NC vice president Omar Abdullah: “Omar remained busy in the Tulip Garden but didn’t come to the Assembly. We tried to table a resolution on the Waqf Bill, as directed by Mehbooba Mufti, but they didn’t support it.”
“What is the difference between the Omar-led government and the LG administration? Properties were being attached during LG’s rule and even during Omar’s NC rule,” Waheed said. (JKNS)
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