Blasphemous remarks triggers protests
Srinagar: Protest demonstrations were held in many parts of Kashmir and Jammu region to condemn the blasphemous remarks of a Hindu extremist, Satpal Sharma and his associates. The protesters demanded stringent punishment to the accused for hurting the sentiments of Muslims.
Reports said that protests were held in Srinagar, Kupwara, Tral, Ramban, Banihal, Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Jammu city where people raised slogans against the fanatic who uploaded a video containing blasphemous contents. The protesters said that the extremist Satpal from Reasi committed blasphemous act at the behest of communal elements.
An NGO “Ray of Hope” staged a protest here in Press Enclave Srinagar urging the administration to step in.
The protestors demanded that “such unscrupulous” elements be dealt with sternly to serve a message to other such like-minded people to avoid communal hatred.
Protest demonstrations were also reported from Tengapore Batamaloo, Tral town of Pulwama district and Sogam area of Kupwara district.
Sources said that scores of people staged a protest demonstration in Sogam Lolab area over the incident.
The agitated people asked the administration “to take immediate action and hang the culprits involved in the derogatory act.”
Various religious and political bodies have also strongly reacted to the situation.
In a statement, National Conference expressed outrage seeking exemplary punishment to such ‘deranged’ elements under law who are hell-bent to destroy the traditional amity and brotherhood in J&K.
“Jammu and Kashmir has been an alcove of peace, and brotherhood. The people of J&K have never allowed themselves get swayed by such elements as are hell-bent to destroy the inter-communal harmony and brotherhood, the prized heirloom of our pluralistic culture,” said party’s Additional General Secretary Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal while expressing outrage over the remarks.
He said such statements should not be seen in isolation and that such senseless remarks are part of larger game to destroy the unity and brotherhood in J&K.
“Islam is a religion of peace, the literal meaning of the term itself connotes the same meaning. The cardinal message of the holy Prophet of Islam (SAW) was of peace, brotherhood, amity, equality and equity. Almighty Allah displayed the model of the perfect human in the person of the holy prophet of Islam (SAW).
Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum in a statement issued in Jammu demanded a stern action against the priest saying his blasphemous remarks had hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community, particularly in the Jammu region. The Forum Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani termed the act an attempt to disrupt the social harmony by hurting the sentiments of Muslims.
Wani said the Prophet of Islam (Peace Be Upon Him) is the highest revered personality for mankind and any blasphemous act or gesture against him was intolerable.
Abdul Qayoom Wani urged the authorities to take an immediate action against the heinous crime. (KNT)
Press Trust of India
