Srinagar, Nov 25: Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) and Valley’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday called for setting up of Bait-ul-Maal (welfare fund) in every nook and corner of the Valley to help the needy and curb apostasy.
“Our religious leaders should fulfil their basic duty of preaching masses and tell them what is right and what is wrong, but our people too cannot shy away from their basic responsibilities. Due to increasing economic disparity, a large chunk of our society is being pushed into the lap of poverty. This section becomes easy target and prone to unethical activities. We cannot remain a spectator towards their miseries as other vested interest groups are taking undue advantage of their plight. It is our moral, social and religious duty to assist them so that they don’t fall in wrong hands,” Mirwaiz said addressing the people at historic Jamia Masjid here.
“I appeal all Mohalla welfare committees to set up Bait-ul-Maal in their respective areas to take care of the destitute,” he said.
Calling for strengthening of religious institutions, the pro-freedom leader also expressed concern over the activities of Christian missionaries here.
“These missionaries are trying to convert people on promises of providing perks and other benefits. The committee which will be set up within next few days will formulate a comprehensive strategy to curb their activities,” Mirwaiz said.
Following the reports of alleged conversions of Muslim youth by Christian missionaries, Mirwaiz had called a meeting of Muttahida Majlis Ullema (MMU) and also summoned heads of the churches and missionary schools in the Valley to discuss the issue.
Calling for protection of social fabric of Kashmir, Mirwaiz said spurt in immoral and unethical activities was a matter of grave concern for all.
“On one hand, Kashmiris are sacrificing their lives for freedom for the past 64 years, but on other hand our society is in throes of evils,” he said, adding, “We are sitting mute spectator to the female feticide, increase in suicides and crime graph. If we will not act promptly, it will eat up our social vitals,” he cautioned.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 25 Nov 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST