Indian clerics cast BJP net in Kashmir

National President of Jamaat-e-Ulema-e-Hind Moulana Suhaib Qasmi Wednesday said at least 150 clerics are active in Kashmir to “promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development mission and create an environment of peace and prosperity.” He said incidents like Gujrat riots “were a past and it is time to build a better tomorrow.”
Suhaib, along with many other clerics associated with JUH—one of the most influential religious groups of India—participated in the interactive session addressed by Union Minister for Finance, Information and Broadcasting, at SKICC here.
“I am in Kashmir for the past 20 days and our 150 Imams (clerics) are operating here to spread Modi’s message for development and peace,” Suhaib told Greater Kashmir. He said the region has been ravaged by the perpetual strife over the past 25 years and “there is a yearning for change.”
“We feel delighted to see people expressing faith in democracy. We are of the belief that Modi is the first Prime Minister of India who has clear intentions to heal the wounds of Kashmiri people,” Suhaib said.
About Kashmir issue, he said dialogue is the only way to resolve all issues. “We are operating in Uri, Sopore, Baramulla and many other districts and explaining to people the need for peace and development. We keep telling people that BJP is the only party that can ensure justice,” he said.
Suhaib said the issue of Article 370 should not be made a poll plank. “Let there be a discussion on it,” he said.
He said people of Kashmir must understand that most of the independent countries like Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iran have become “dens of United States.”
“I believe Kashmir’s future is safe with India,” he said.
On Gujrat riots, he said the issue is already a past. “We must talk about future,” Suhaib said. About Babri Masjid issue, he said since the issue is in court, he would like not to comment on it.
He said once Prime Minister would arrive in Srinagar on December 8, people of Kashmir would feel a big change. “He will make many important announcements,” he said.
Reliable sources said JUH clerics operating in Kashmir have been directed to ensure participation of people in Modi’s December 8 rally at Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, Srinagar.