Srinagar, Sep 15: Kashmir’s chief cleric and head of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has lauded the recent BRICS summit held in New Delhi for conveying a positive message of peace and diplomacy. Simultaneously, he issued a stark warning against the escalating nature of global conflicts, asserting that despite prevailing rhetoric, the world is witnessing a concerning rise in turmoil.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, speaking to reporters following a meeting of the MMU, an alliance of various religious bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, expressed optimism that de-escalation efforts would prove effective in restoring peace, particularly in West Asia. He highlighted his commitment to raising awareness about the pervasive global violence, noting that contrary to pronouncements that the current era is not one of war, geopolitical tensions are intensifying across various regions.
The Mirwaiz articulated his concern by stating, “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.” He pointed to specific areas of concern including South Asia, Europe, Ukraine, and Sudan, underscoring the widespread nature of the unrest.
Commenting on the BRICS summit, the Mirwaiz remarked, “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.”
During his interactions in the national capital, the Mirwaiz met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He described the meetings as productive, providing an avenue to convey a message of solidarity from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He conveyed that peace cannot be achieved without justice and also discussed the historical, cultural, religious, and civilizational ties between Iran and Kashmir.
According to reports, the Iranian leadership expressed a keen interest in visiting Kashmir and engaging with the local populace. The Mirwaiz had presented a two-page letter to the Iranian foreign minister for President Pezeshkian. In the letter, he advocated for restraint, engagement, and diplomacy, suggesting that India, drawing from Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of ‘Ahimsa’, could play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and mitigating the escalation of the West Asia conflict.
Furthermore, the letter cautioned against the conflict becoming a divisive factor within the Muslim community, urging adherents to unite against sectarianism and political rivalries. The Mirwaiz also chaired a meeting of the MMU which addressed pressing social issues within Jammu and Kashmir, including a notable increase in suicide and drug abuse incidents.
The MMU has resolved to enhance coordination among mosques and madrassas across the region to tackle these social challenges. “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,” the Mirwaiz explained.
A decision was also made to issue a joint sermon monthly from all grand mosques, mosques, and Imambadas addressing various social concerns. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq acknowledged the government’s efforts in combating drug addiction, a significant challenge, and called for stringent action against those involved. However, he emphasized that families of individuals involved should not face repercussions.
Addressing the issue of substance abuse more broadly, he stated, “But, it is not possible that you take action against one addiction and promote another. I am talking about alcohol.” The MMU, he affirmed, is in complete agreement regarding the necessity of a strict ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in both public and private spaces.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
