Islam not for unjustified violence, forced conversions: new Hurriyat chief

Newly-appointed Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) chairman Ashraf Sehrai, in his first ever public speech on Tuesday, said Islam was “a movement of justice for all, including Hindus and Sikhs,” and warned against “unjustified violence or forced conversions”.

“Islam is a bestowed movement for social justice to all, including Hindus and Muslims. Its followers require to promote the good and fight the evil and the oppressor. It does not believe in forced conversions or use of violence, like beheading, to settle disagreements,” said Mr. Sehrai in his first ever public speech made on the death anniversary of lawyer Jalil Andrabi in Srinagar’s court complex.

Mr. Sehrai, 74, took over from Syed Ali Geelani as chairman of TeH, which is an influential constituent of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference headed by Mr. Geelani.

Describing Kashmir “an issue of right to self determination”, Mr. Sehrai said the people of Kashmir “was struggling against India’s broken promises and its ploys to usurp the State”. “Our sacrifices is our asset and will safeguard it till the goal is achieved,” he added.

He said Kashmir requires a unification (among the separatists) against the present regime in New Delhi on the lines of Hurriyat of 1993.

In an oblique reference to the militant outfits questioning Hurriyat’s role, Mr. Sehrai said: “Any disagreement with the Hurriyat leadership is positive. But any bloodshed in the name of differences is unacceptable. No one should divide people in the name of sects, Shias or Sunnis etc. The Hurriyat is open to accountability. Those who have issues should directly come to the leadership,” he added.

Modi could launch mini war: Yasin Malik

Speaking on the occasion, JKLF chief Yasin Malik said the current BJP’s regime at the Centre “may thrust a mini war on Jammu and Kashmir to win votes in case their support base shrinks”.

“This is time to withstand the onslaught and show resistance. The Modi government’s Kashmir approach is dangerous. He can impose a mini war on us to win polls. He is trying everything to make us surrender, which we will not,” said Mr. Malik.