Kashmir shuts against Tiwari’s anti-Islam remarks

Many areas of Kashmir valley observed shutdown against the derogatory remarks of Hindu Mahasabha leader Kamlesh Tiwari pertaining to Islam and Muslims and people held protests at various places across Kashmir.

Reports said that in Islamabad town, shops remained closed and traffic was off the roads.

“Youth had erected barricades at many places in old town as well as Khanabal-Pahalgam (KP) road and the vehicles were not allowed to ply,” eyewitnesses said.

The call for shutdown was given by South Kashmir cleric and head of a religious organization- Tehreek-i-Sawtul Awlia- Abdul Rashid Dawoodi.

A protest demonstration was also held at Lal Chowk area of the town. The protesters were shouting slogans against Tiwari and Hindu Mahasabha.

Condemning the statement of Tiwari, Dawoodi demanded stringent action against him.

A shutdown was also observed in Pulwama town and Kaimoh area of Kulgam. Hundreds of people took out a march from Washbugh area that culminated in Main Chowk Pulwama. Amid anti-RSS, anti-Hindu Mahasabha and pro-Islamic slogans, the protesters clashed with police. The protesters who demanded severe punishment to Tiwari pelted stones on the government forces near Rajpora Chowk.

Meanwhile, the derogatory remarks have evoked strong resentment and condemnation across Kashmir and agitated people held protest demonstrations on Monday.

Scores of activists of Tehreek-i-Sawtul Awliya today staged protest against Tiwari for making the disparaging statement against Islam and circulating pamphlets against Muslims.

Tiwari has already been arrested by Lucknow Police after students of Islamic seminary Darul Uloom Deoband and others demanded action against the rightwing zealot.

The activists assembled at Press Enclave here and demanded stern punishment against the Hindu Mahasabha leader.

The members of J&K High Court Bar Association Srinagar, today abstained from court work in protest against the blasphemous statement made Tiwari. “Even though, Tiwari was arrested a case also registered him, but the events that followed, have shown that his arrest is merely an eye wash and to cool down the feelings of Muslims. In all probability, he will be let off soon as has happened in the past,” Bar spokesman said in a statement today, adding that the case against Tiwari must be taken to its logical end and he be punished for the crime.

Meanwhile, work in the lower court here today was affected due to the strike called by Bar Association. Some of the important cases were also adjourned as lawyers abstained from appearing in the court proceedings.

There are also reports from other places where shutdown was observed and protest held against the blasphemous remarks.

Traders Federation Bandipora today staged protest march against the derogatory remarks of Tiwari and demanded strict action against him.

The protesters took out a peaceful march from Gulshan Chowk to Kaloosa carrying placards and banners. The protesters raised anti-RSS and anti-BJP slogans and demanded stern punishment against Hindu Mahasabha leader.

They said that any act against Islam and our beloved Prophet (PBUH) is beyond tolerance.

The Federation president, Muhammad Yousuf Para while addressing the protesters said that, it has become routine for some anti-Islamic elements to hurt the sentiments of Muslims all over the globe. “We we cannot tolerate any disrespectful remark against our Prophet (PBUH),” he said.

Meanwhile, a partial shutdown was observed in the town with some shops closed in main market and Khadim market.