“Do not meddle in our religious affairs beyond a limit” Altaf Bukhari

Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari lashes out at Waqf Board authorities for their intention to recruit degree-holding Imams, Mubalighs, and Muazins in Kashmir

Says, “If we have to check qualifications, let’s start with the chairperson of the board first”

Srinagar, August 27:

Lashing out at the Chairperson of the Waqf Board, Darshan Andrabi, for her recent announcement that the Board is preparing to start recruiting degree-holding Imams, Mubalighs, and Muazins in Kashmir, Apni Party Chief Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, on Sunday, said that “‘If the recruitment of Imams and Muazins must be based on qualifications and degrees, then let’s commence with assessing the qualifications of the Waqf Board Chairperson herself first.”

To make his opposition more clear and forceful, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari named Prime Minister Modi, the Home Minister, and J&K’s LG Manoj Sinha and posed a question to these dignitaries: “How would you react if someone suggested appointing degree-holding priests in revered places like the Ram Mandir?”

He stressed, “Such actions amount to direct interference in religious affairs and are absolutely unacceptable. Don’t try to pain our hearts by such moves, and don’t try to play with our religious sentiments.”

He urged the people to remain united when it comes to protecting their fundamental and religious rights guaranteed by the constitution.

He said, “I feel sorry for the politicians who are divided to the extent that they can’t even unite on religious matters. However, I urge the people to stand united to safeguard their constitutional rights and not allow anyone to meddle in religious affairs beyond limits, just like the Waqf Board is attempting to do by recruiting Imams and Mouzins based on qualifications and degrees.”

Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari made these remarks while addressing a public rally in Tilsara of Charar-e-Sharief in central Kashmir’s Budgam district. People thronged to the event and gave a rousing reception to Mr. Bukhari and his accompanying leaders upon their arrival at the rally venue.

During his speech, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari yet again reiterated his demand for the release of jailed religious leaders and said, “Time and again, I urge authorities to release the Valley’s prominent religious leaders like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Moulana Abdul Rasheed Dawoodi, Moulana Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri, Moulana Manzoor, and others. These religious leaders have a huge following in the Valley, and they have a remarkable influence over the people; thus, they can play an imperative role in helping eradicate drug abuse in the Valley.”

“Let me make it very clear that politicians are unable to help eradicate the prevailing drug abuse in society. However, considering the vast influence of our religious leaders over the masses, they, if freed from jails, will be able to play a significant role in helping to eradicate social evils, including drug abuse,” he added.

Speaking on the prevailing political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari urged people to join hands with the Apni Party to strengthen it further so that the party can play its role more powerfully. He said, “Post August 5, 2019, when the entire erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was plunged into chaos and uncertainty and people harbored concerns about the future demographic landscape of J&K, we made the choice to stand alongside our beleaguered citizens. We were the first to approach the Union Government to secure our agricultural lands and jobs. At that point in time, some miscreants unleashed a concerted campaign against us. However, we did not bother about name-calling and propaganda against us, as we had resolutely committed ourselves to championing our people’s cause, regardless of any obstacles that emerged.”

“And, we will continue to stand up for our people and will always strive to protect the fundamental and democratic rights of J&K people. We are the agents of our people.” He vowed.

On J&K’s relations with the rest of the country, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari stated, “I never mince words when affirming the fact that Jammu and Kashmir is destined to be a part of India, and it will continue to be so. Despite the wounds we have endured from New Delhi, I am confident that we will find solutions to all our problems in Delhi, not elsewhere.”

Prior to his speech, the residents of Tilsara Charar-e-Sharief apprised Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari about certain public issues and grievances, mostly caused by the infrastructural deficit and official apathy. While addressing the rally, he promised that “Apni Party, if it gets the public mandate in the upcoming assembly polls, will not leave any stone unturned to ensure equivalent development across Jammu and Kashmir.”

Besides Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, the prominent party leaders who were present on the occasion included Chairman of party’s Parliamentary Affairs Committee (PAC) Mohammad Dilawar Mir, District President Budgam & Spokesperson Muntazir Mohiuddin, Media Advisor Farooq Andrabi, party incharge for Charar-e-Sharief constituency, District President for the party’s Women’s Wing Shakeela Ji, and a range of local party leaders including Mohammad Sultan, Mohammad Maqbool, Mohammad Shafi, Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, Abdul Majeed, Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, Mohammad Yousuf, Fayaz Ahmad, Haji Nazir Ahmad, Mohammad Abdullah Dar, Ali Mohammad, Bashir Ahmad, Mohammad Ashraf, Abdul Rashid Palpori, Noor Mohammad, Manzoor Ahmad Hurra, Naseer Ahmad Hurra,Shabir Ahmad, Abdul Ghani Hurra, Akhtar Hussain Shah, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, Mohammad Altad Nengroo, Bilal Ahmad Hurrah, Ali Mohammad Hurrah, Wali Mohammad Bhat,Haji Mohammad Akram, Ghulam Nabi Zohami, and others. The programme was organised by Mushtaq Zohami.