Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) President and MLA Langate Er Rashid on Friday condemned state government for not allowing mandatory congregational prayers for the thirteenth consecutive Friday in historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar. In a statement issued this evening, Rashid said, “Jamia Masjid is not only a spiritual and religious place but every Kashmiri has his deep affiliation, love and respect for Jamia Masjid.” “Giving excuses to stop people from offering Friday prayers in the said mosque is worst example of religious interference. In the name of maintaining so-called law and order, current government has no moral or legal authority to seal the Masjid. The move clearly shows frustration and designs of the government and when people take to roads to protest such barbaric acts, Indian media wastes not even a second to label them as pro-Pak elements,” he said.
He also condemned continuous arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and said that he is not only the political figure but the religious leader of state and is being respected by masses everywhere. “Government must release him and other political prisoners including Yasin Malik, Shabir Shah, Aasiyeh Andrabi and Masrat Alam without any delay,” he demanded. Condemning government for slapping PSA on Aasiyeh Andrabi and Fahmeeda Sofi, Rashid said, “while Mehbooba Mufti is often talking about honour and dignity of women, would she mind to say whether these two daughters of the soil were holding guns or stones in their hands.” The MLA Langate asked Chief Minister that if she could propagate her views what was the logic to stop Aasiyeh Andrabi and other women activists from carrying out peaceful political activities? (CNS)