SRINAGAR: A recent incident at the revered Khanqah-e-Moula shrine in Srinagar has sparked concerns over sectarian harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. The controversy erupted when members of the Shia community conducted a mourning ritual inside the Sunni shrine, which is built in memory of the renowned Sufi saint Mir Syed Ali Hamdani.
In response to the growing tension, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), an umbrella organization of major Islamic sects in Jammu and Kashmir headed by Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, issued a statement calling for peace and concord. The MMU characterized the incident as a “planned and mischievous attempt” to hurt sectarian sentiments and announced the formation of a committee comprising members from both Sunni and Shia communities to investigate the matter.
The organization also expressed concern over “disrespectful remarks” made by scholars and preachers from both communities during Ashura Muharram events and mourning processions. The MMU urged religious leaders to refrain from making inflammatory comments on all platforms, including social media, to preserve unity within the Muslim community.
This incident comes amidst a broader context of tension in the region. The Mirwaiz has separately expressed concern over the recent arrests of former office-bearers of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, including former presidents Nazir Ahmad Ronga and Mian Abdul Qayoom, and former general secretary Mohammad Ashraf Bhat.
Earlier, Darakhshan Andrabi, chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, stated that action has been initiated against those who “tried to vitiate peace in the Valley.” Andrabi emphasized that no one would be allowed to create sectarian divides, promising stern action against the perpetrators.
The controversy began when a group of Shia youth recited Nauha for Imam Hussain (AS) inside Khanqah-e-Maula on the 12th of Muharram. The event was flagged by former Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu on ‘X’, who demanded action by the Waqf Board. Mattu stated, “I’m the most vociferous supporter of Shia-Sunni unity and we are all proud Muhibaan-e-Ahle-Bayt, but Azadaari inside Khanqah-e-Moula is unprecedented and could potentially disturb sectarian harmony.”
The MMU also supported the call for a probe, stating, “It seems that this incident was a planned attempt to hurt the sentiments of the larger sect by some elements at work, which needs to be investigated. While it is the duty of the Waqf Board to unearth the truth behind this incident as they are the custodians of the shrines and maintaining their sanctity is their duty, MMU has decided to form a committee consisting of responsible members from both sects to investigate and identify the elements involved.”
The MMU expressed concern and condemnation over the remarks and comments made by some scholars, preachers, and speakers of both Sunni and Shia communities during various Ashura Muharram events, as well as remarks made during mourning processions regarding the Sahaba.
They stated, “Such remarks and actions cannot be tolerated and demand an inquiry, especially when all members of MMU from all sects are constantly making efforts to ensure unity and brotherhood among the followers of all sects while pursuing their respective practices.” The committee will also investigate these matters to identify who is responsible for this divisive agenda.
Shia mourners booked under UAPA for raising pro-Palestine slogans during Muharram procession
Earlier, a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) was lodged by the J&K Police against Shia mourners who allegedly raised pro-Palestine and anti-Israel slogans during a Muharram procession in Srinagar four days ago. Several regional leaders have condemned the move.
“All arrangements were made to ensure safe and secure Muharram processions for Shia mourners. It’s a condition on part of the organisers, too, to cooperate. However, some mischievous elements violated [the rules]. Police action has been initiated and an investigation is underway,” Inspector General of Police (IGP) Vidhi Kumar Birdi said.
A case under Sections of the UAPA has been lodged at the Kothi Bagh Police Station in Srinagar against “unknown persons who attended the 8th Muharram procession” at Lal Chowk. Scores of mourners were seen carrying Palestine flags during the procession and several youth were picked up.
Srinagar MP Syed Aga Ruhullah sought the immediate release of the youth arrested in the case. “It’s a stated foreign policy of the country to support Palestine. The youth just reiterated the stand on the streets. They were booked under UAPA because they are Muslims. It’s a harsh measure and an attempt to turn youth into criminals. This regime should book the government under UAPA too for supporting Palestine,” Mr. Mehdi said.
He said Shia mourners would support all oppressed and persecuted communities, whether they be Muslims, Hindus or Sikhs. “It is a moral duty,” Mehdi said.
Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also expressed regret over the police action. “It’s sad UAPA was slapped for raising voice in solidarity with oppressed Palestinians, and protesting the year-long massacre of innocent children, women and unarmed citizens,” the Mirwaiz said.
Shia mourners on Wednesday took out a procession of the Youm-e-Ashura, a tradition of the 10th Muharram. The procession, attended by hundreds of locals, started from Gulshan Bagh Botakadal, passed through Madin Sahab, and concluded peacefully at Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi in Srinagar’s Zadibal.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) – Law and Order Vijay Kumar, and Kashmir Inspector General of Police V.K. Birdi, monitored the procession at Zadibal. “A three-tier security is in place for 10th Muharram,” Kumar said.
Senior leaders, including National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, joined Shia mourners and served drinks from stalls during the processions.
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