Srinagar, Sep 15: Praising the recent BRICS summit in New Delhi for sending out “a good message of peace and diplomacy”, Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Tuesday warned that global conflicts are actively escalating despite assertions that the current era is not one of war.

Speaking to reporters here following a meeting of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), an amalgam of several religious bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, the Mirwaiz expressed hope that de-escalation efforts would yield results and restore peace in West Asia.

Emphasising his commitment to raising awareness about escalating global violence, the former separatist leader said that while many proclaim “this era is not an era of war”, the ground reality shows worsening geopolitical tensions and widespread turmoil – from South Asia and Europe to Ukraine and Sudan.

“Our endeavour has always been that wherever we get the opportunity, we talk about how the world is currently facing a situation where wars are spreading unfortunately day by day. Although we say that this era is not an era of war, the reality in front of us is quite the opposite,” the Mirwaiz said, highlighting the growing turmoil in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, Europe, Ukraine and Sudan.

On the just-concluded BRICS summit, the Mirwaiz said, “I understand that this was also an important thing that, in the context of BRICS, global leadership gathered in Delhi. A good message of peace and diplomacy went out from there, and we expect that these efforts will be successful and peace will be established… We have always been proponents of this.”

Responding to a query on his interaction with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in the national capital, the Mirwaiz said the meeting went well and provided an opportunity to convey a message of solidarity on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“We gave them a message of solidarity. We feel that peace cannot be established until there is justice. So, we conveyed that message to them. We also talked about the historical, cultural, religious and civilisational connection that has been there between Iran and Kashmir for centuries,” he said.

He added that the Iranian leadership expressed a keen desire to visit Kashmir and engage with the local people.

The Mirwaiz had handed over a two-page letter to the Iranian foreign minister for his president, in which he called for restraint, engagement and diplomacy, and said that India, with its legacy of Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of ‘Ahimsa’, can play a constructive role in encouraging dialogue and preventing further escalation of the West Asia conflict.

In the letter addressed to Pezeshkian, the Mirwaiz also cautioned against allowing the conflict to become another source of division within the Muslim community, urging the followers to stand together against sectarianism and political rivalries.

Referring to the MMU meeting, the Mirwaiz said it deliberated upon social issues prevalent in J-K, including an increase in incidents of suicide and drug abuse.

The meeting decided that coordination should be increased among the mosques and madrassas across J-K to address the issues.

“We are expanding the scope of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema. We have decided that every month, we will go to one district and not just engage with the mosques and madrasas, but also establish contact with the local institutions and NGOs so that these issues can be addressed,” he said.

The MMU has also decided that a joint sermon will be issued from every grand mosque, mosque and Imambada each month on various social issues, the Mirwaiz said.

Describing drug addiction as a very big challenge, the Mirwaiz appreciated the government’s efforts in curbing the menace, and called for strict action against those involved.

He, however, said that the families of those involved should not be targeted.

“But, it is not possible that you take action against one addiction and promote another. I am talking about alcohol,” he said, adding that the MMU is in complete agreement that a strict ban should be imposed on the sale and consumption of alcohol, whether in public places or private.

Kulgam, Sep 15: Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kulgam chaired a joint security review meeting for the better coordination between security forces at the Conference Hall of DPO Kulgam.

The primary agenda of the session was to review and assess the overall security situation in the district, keeping in view the prevailing challenges and the need for a coordinated approach among all security agencies.

During the meeting, SSP Kulgam laid special emphasis on maintaining proper coordination and professionalism between police, Army, and CRPF in handling anti-terror operations and law and order situations. He highlighted the growing importance of adopting proactive security measures and increasing vigilance to prevent any untoward incidents in the district. Stressing the importance of community confidence, SSP directed that additional security arrangements be implemented at all vulnerable points, vital installations, and minority-dominated areas.

Furthermore, SSP Kulgam instructed the concerned officers to ensure regular briefing and debriefing of all personnel engaged in field duties to keep them updated and alert about potential threats. He underscored that a strong security grid, coupled with efficient communication and coordination between agencies, is vital for enhancing the sense of safety and security among the general public and minority communities. Further in order to augment the CI grid various strategies were discussed among the participating officers keeping in view the prevailing situation.

The security of the minority population residing in the area was also reviewed and measures to augment their security were also assessed to make them vibrant. Officers from other units participating in the meeting also shared their viewpoint concerning the various security parameters.

The meeting was attended by the officers of Police, Army and CRPF including CO’s of 1RR, 9RR, 34RR, CO’s of 18, 40, 46, 163 BNs of CRPF, Addl. SP NHW Qazigund, DySP Hqrs Kulgam, SDPO Qazigund, SDPO DH Pora, DySPs of SOG Kulgam, Manzgam, Hatipora, Mirbazar, DySP DAR DPL Kulgam and other senior officers.

Srinagar, Sep 15: After a gap of more than two years, the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) Jammu & Kashmir on Tuesday held a major Ulema meet and Seerat Conference in Srinagar, with more than 70 Ulema and Mashaikh participating in deliberations on pressing social, moral and religious issues.

The one-day conference, held under the chairmanship of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq after authorities granted permission for the gathering, saw participation from religious scholars from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Ulema from Kashmir districts, as well as Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, Kargil and Doda, attended the conference, which emphasised greater coordination and interaction among religious scholars, mosques and madrasas across the region.

The conference adopted two broad resolutions, one focusing on contemporary social challenges and the role of Ulema and religious institutions, while the other stressed unity within the Muslim Ummah, sectarian harmony and mutual respect despite differences of Maslak.

The first resolution expressed concern over drug and substance abuse, suicides and self-harm, mental and emotional distress among youth, irresponsible use of social media, weakening family bonds and the disconnect between young people and religious and community institutions.

The participants stressed that Ulema, Imams, mosques and madrasas could play an important preventive and supportive role in addressing these challenges by creating safe spaces where young people and families can discuss emotional distress, loneliness, anxiety and family pressures without fear of stigma.

The conference called for greater awareness among Imams and Ulema about signs of emotional distress and urged them to encourage families to respond with compassion and guide those in need towards professional counselling and mental-health support.

As part of the proposed outreach, the MMU resolved that designated Friday sermons would focus on a common social issue across participating mosques, enabling Ulema across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to collectively raise awareness about issues requiring urgent societal attention.

The MMU also decided to endeavour to hold regular, preferably monthly, meetings in different districts and areas, involving local Ulema, Imams, mosques and madrasas to identify local concerns and develop practical responses.

The conference further stressed that mosques and madrasas should increasingly function as centres of guidance, youth engagement, family support and community welfare alongside their religious and educational responsibilities.

On drug addiction, the Ulema called for a consistent approach to tackling substance abuse and expressed concern over the simultaneous expansion and normalisation of alcohol.

The conference said efforts against drug addiction could be undermined if new liquor licences are issued and alcohol availability is expanded in the name of tourism. It called upon the government to reconsider such an approach and stop further promotion and expansion of alcohol availability.

Environmental responsibility also figured prominently in the deliberations. The conference recommended using Friday sermons and mosque-based programmes to create awareness about reducing plastic and polythene use, preventing littering and dumping of waste in water bodies, and protecting wetlands.

The participants expressed concern over the condition and encroachments affecting Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Nigeen Lake, wetlands and other water bodies, stressing that conservation of nature and protection of shared natural resources constituted a moral and religious responsibility.

The second resolution focused on unity within the Muslim Ummah and urged Ulema to maintain mutual respect despite differences in schools of thought and interpretation.

The conference acknowledged that differences of Maslak have historically existed within the Ummah, but stressed that such differences should not become a source of hatred, hostility or division.

The participants emphasised that the mosque’s Mimbar is an Amanah, or sacred trust, and should not be used to promote sectarianism, ridicule another Maslak, spread hatred or deepen divisions.

The conference called upon Ulema from different schools of thought to promote mutual respect, dialogue and brotherhood and to focus religious discourse on shared moral, spiritual and social responsibilities.

It also stressed the need for greater interaction among Ulema from different regions and schools of thought. The proposed district-level meetings are expected to provide a platform for strengthening communication, mutual understanding and cooperation among religious scholars and religious institutions.

The participants said the role of Ulema and religious institutions should extend beyond ritual matters and remain closely connected with people’s everyday concerns, particularly the anxieties and aspirations of the younger generation.

The MMU said the conference was intended to mark the beginning of a sustained process of grassroots engagement rather than end with the adoption of resolutions. The proposed initiatives include coordinated Friday sermons, district-level meetings, counselling and community awareness programmes.

More than 70 Ulema and Mashaikh participated in the event. Among those present were Moulana Rehmat-ullah Mir Qasmi, Mufti Azam Nasir ul Islam Farooqi, Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, Mufti Mohammad Yaqoob Baba Madani, Moulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, Moulana Showkat Hussain Keng, Mufti Enayat Ullah Jammu, Sheikh Mehboob Ali Wajdani, Mufti Abdul Rashid Miftahi, Pir Rehmatullah Sahib, Moulana Syed Tayyub, Mufti Syed Sharief Ul Haq Bukhari, Mufti Ajaz ul Hassan Banday, Mufti Zia ul Haq Nazmi, Mufti Pirzada Reyaz Ahmad, Moulana Adnan Nadwi, Sibt Mohammad Shabir Qumi, Moulana Ghulam Rasool Noori, Moulana Ali Akbar, Moulana Syed Shah Waris Shah Bukhari and Pir Iftikhar Ahmad Kamli, among others.

Srinagar, Sep 15: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday dismissed concerns over the stability of his government, saying he had “complete faith” in his MLAs and had no fear that any of them would switch sides.

Responding to questions about remarks by Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma over the functioning of the Assembly and the upcoming session, Abdullah defended the government’s decision to convene a seven-day session, saying the BJP was in no position to accuse his government of being “non-serious”.

“Why? The session has been called for seven days. What is non-seriousness in this?” Abdullah said.

“Non-seriousness would be if we followed the path shown by the BJP, where they have called one- or two-day sessions in their states. These are the people who never even come before Parliament, who are hardly seen in Parliament.”

Abdullah said members of his government regularly remained present in the Assembly and Parliament for long hours.

“We sit in the Assembly from morning and leave in the evening,” he said. “There is not a single day when we are not personally present in the Assembly.”

He added that the BJP could not accuse his government of lacking seriousness without comparing the attendance and participation of its own members.

“Let them see in Parliament who sits for how long. Then tell me who is taking it seriously and who is not,” he said.

Abdullah also appeared to push back against the expectation that he respond to every statement made by the Opposition.

“They make statements every day. Don’t expect me to respond to every statement,” he said. “Now you have said this today, fine. I will react to the next statement after a month. I will react to one of their statements every month, not every day.”

‘I have complete faith in my MLAs’
Asked whether he was concerned about the political stability of his government amid speculation about some MLAs potentially switching sides, Abdullah said he had no such apprehension.

“Ask me openly. Why are you asking in veiled words?” he said. “You are asking whether I count my MLAs every day or not. That is what you are asking, right?”

Asked directly whether he feared some of his MLAs could leave, Abdullah replied: “I have absolutely no fear. I have absolutely no fear. I have complete faith in my people.”

He then alleged that certain individuals were attempting to create such speculation and accused them of seeking personal benefits from the government.

“I know who is doing this in between,” Abdullah said. “There are one or two people who collect their envelopes from the agencies’ offices on Gupkar Road.”

He alleged that some of these individuals had approached him after his government was formed seeking appointments or accommodation.

“These are the same people who came to meet me in my office in Jammu as soon as the government was formed and asked me, ‘Adjust me somewhere,’” he said.

Abdullah said he had refrained from naming them out of consideration for their reputation.

“I don’t open my mouth to protect their dignity. But you can take out the record and see who came to my office. You will find all the names of those who are counting my MLAs today,” he said.

Recruitment ‘being done carefully’
On government recruitment and vacancies in various departments, Abdullah said the administration was moving ahead with the process but would not compromise on established procedures in an effort to fill posts quickly.

“There are some departments where there are vacancies, but they are not becoming available,” he said, adding that recruitment was being carried out gradually.

“We can hurry up recruitment, but often we have seen that the result of haste is not good,” Abdullah said. “Somewhere or the other, there is then room for complaints.”

He said he had instructed recruiting agencies to prioritise transparency even if the process took longer.

“I have told the recruiting agencies that even if they take one or two months more, transparency must be maintained and the procedure must be followed,” he said.

“This is so that tomorrow nobody should have any complaint about the process. The process is continuing. Wherever recruitment is needed in every department, we are doing it.”

On daily wagers’ protest
Asked about a protest call by daily wagers on September 22, coinciding with the Assembly session, Abdullah said the government stood by the commitment it had made during the Budget Session.

“We said in the Budget Session that we will resolve their issues, and we stand by that,” he said. “They are doing this during the session. Let them do it.”

On broader questions about political stability in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the situation should be assessed openly rather than through indirect questions.

“Ask openly,” he said, before reiterating that he was not worried about the stability of his government or the loyalty of its legislators.

Abdullah was speaking after welcoming a new batch of JKAS and Accounts Gazetted Service officers into the Jammu and Kashmir government.

He said the annual process of appointments was part of the normal cycle of government service, with some officers retiring, some JKAS officers moving into the IAS and a new batch entering service.

“Today we have welcomed a new batch of JKAS and Accounts Gazetted Service officers into the Jammu and Kashmir government,” he said.

He expressed hope that the officers would use their careers to serve Jammu and Kashmir and its people.

“The next 20, 25 or 30 years of their service should be properly utilised in the service of Jammu and Kashmir and the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.