Asif Iqbal Naik
KISHTWAR
In order to show their solidarity with the people of Kishtwar, Muslim community of Doda and Bhaderwah towns of Chenab valley on Monday observed a complete shutdown over the arrest of four persons in Kishtwar by the police including Imam of Masjid Sharief Umar Mohalla.
As per the details available with Kashmir Life, all the business and other establishments belonging to the Muslim community observed a shutdown as a result of which many areas in both the major townships of Chenab valley wore deserted look.
The call was given by the Anjuman-e-Islamia Bhaderwah and Seerat Committee Doda over the Kishtwar arrests.
Various representatives of both the religious committees condemned the arrest of Maulana Abdul Qayoom Mattoo, Saif-ud-Din Bagban, Firdous Ahmad Bagban and government employee Ajaz Ahmed Kelam by J&K police and demanded their immediate release.
Meanwhile, Imam Jamia Masjid today called on Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar and demanded immediate release of all the arrested persons. He also demanded to bring an end to continuous arrest of the community members.
Reacting to demands of Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar, Maulana Farooq Ahmad Kichloo, DC Kishtwar informed him that the all the arrests were made for “maintaining long lasting peace” in Kishtwar District. “The activities of all the arrested persons were detrimental to peace which necessitated their arrest,” DC is reported to have told the Imam, however, the DC informed him that “no innocent people will be arrested”.
He urged upon Imam Kichloo to “cooperate” with administration for “maintaining peace and communal harmony” in Kishtwar District besides, he asked him to make an appeal to the people “not to take part in any anti-national or antisocial activity”.
While talking to Kashmir Life, Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar condemned arrests of all the four persons and demanded their unconditional release.
“Kashmir issue is unresolved issue between India and Pakistan,” he said and called for its solution in accordance to the aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir. “People Chenab valley including Kishtwar district are with the people of Kashmir. People of this area will continue its support to Kashmir cause.”
He called for an “end of Indian occupation in Jammu and Kashmir”. “Action of police, administration and government cannot suppress the on-going movement in the J&K.”
