Delhi spreading sectarian hatred in JK: Geelani

Srinagar: Urging Islamic scholars and clerics to forge unity among Muslims, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani Wednesday alleged that New Delhi was using pro-India politicians and “rapacious maulvis” to spread sectarian hatred in Kashmir.

“The anger and hatred of Kashmiri youth towards the illegal Indian occupation has rattled rulers in New Delhi, and to undermine the freedom movement, they are now trying to divide people in the name of Shia,Sunni, Deobandi, Barelvi,  Khush-Aitiqaadi and Badaitiqaadi,” Geelani said in a statement issued to KMW.

Vowing to counter “conspiracies” aimed at promoting sectarian hatred and damage Muslim unity, Geelani said the “Kashmiri nation, already suffering under the brutal oppression of Indian forces, can hardly endure bickering and internal anarchy.”

He said the tension between the Shia and Sunni communities in the Valley was due to “vote bank politics”,  and “ pro-India politicians are trying to create a wedge between the two communities for their own petty interests.”

Asking people to beware of “conspiracies” aimed at creating anarchy and disunity, Geelani said his party had proof that pro-India politicians were trying to divide  Muslims on sectarian lines.

“On the basis of circumstantial evidence, Hurriyat knows that these pro-India politicians, who talk of   unity and consensus  in the day, provoke fights between the two communities during the night.  However, we also appeal both the communities to refrain from any such activity that hurt the sentiments of others. Also, Ulema should devote themselves to forging unity between people and clearing misconceptions and misunderstandings ,” Geelani said.

Meanwhile, Geelani urged people to stage peaceful protest demonstrations against the “unabated detention and torture of youth and political activists” on December 24 post Friday prayers.