Imams meet Rajanth, express concerns over Kashmir situation
12 July, New Delhi
A delegation of Imams today met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and expressed concerns over prevailing situation in Kashmir valley, wherein 31 people have died in violence following gunning down of top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen Burhan Wani on Friday evening.
After meeting the Home Minister, the 15-member delegation, led by Maulana Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, appealed to people of Kashmir not to pelt stones at security forces and restore peace and normalcy in the valley through dialogue.
He also urged security forces to observe restraint while using force to contain protests so that calm could be restored.
Talking to mediapersons here, Maulana Ilyasi said at present, the whole world was watching the Kashmir issue, which he called a burning one, adding that image of the nation and that of the valley must not be tainted by it.
“Whether Muslims of Kashmir or UP or Bihar or of any part of India, the basic fact is that before anything else we are all Indians. We all must help each other,” Mr Ilyasi said, adding that he will soon take a delegation of Imams to Kashmir to help bring calm in the valley.
The Maulana said Mr Singh listened to them with patience and assured them of every possible help.