Chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai today strongly condemned the arrest of two religious scholars and preachers, Molvi Bashir Ahmad Malik of Trehgaam, Kupwara, and Molvi Ajaz Noori of Pulwama.
“Molvi Bashmir was arrested after he delivered a sermon at Jamia Masjid, Kukroosa, Ramhall. He was shifted to jail under the 124A Act. Molvi Ajaz Noori of Pulwama was for just offering funeral prayers of a martyr,” Sehrai, said in a statement.
He termed their arrests as ‘political vendetta’. “Arresting of and slapping draconian laws on religious scholars, Imaams, youths and leaders and shifting them to jails is a highly undemocratic act and deserves severe condemnation,” Sehrai said.
Sehrai said, “It is ironical that the space for pro-freedom camp and even general public is being choked to the extent of enormous suffocation. We are not allowed to address people on Fridays. We are being prevented to reach out to masses. The height is that whosoever raises the voice against repression and calls for early Kashmir resolution is being booked under charges of sedition and other draconian laws. The administration has no respect for the laws or the moral values and this state is practically ruled by the martial law. The people of this region are barred from following their faith and even the funeral prayers are banned here.”