SRINAGAR: Days after an FIR was registered over alleged forced conversion, J-K Waqf Board has relieved the cleric of Hazratbal shrine and constituted an enquiry committee to probe his role, UNI reported.

On Jumat-ul-Vida- the last Friday of Ramazan, a video showed a non-local converting to Islam and reciting Kalima at Srinagar’s Hazratbal shrine. Police registered an FIR the same day under various sections at Nigeen police station alleging that a Srinagar resident forced the non local who was his domestic help to convert to Islam.

The J&K Waqf Board has now acted against the cleric and relieved Kamal-ud-din Farooqui from the duties of Imaam-o- Khateeb, Aasar-i-Shareef, Hazratbal till completion of the enquiry.

The Waqf said there were allegations that Farooqui presided over forcible conversion during Friday prayers.

In view of the allegations, an emergency meeting was convened at the Central Waqf office on Monday to discuss the incident and determine the future course of action.

The meeting noted that due process was not followed during the conversion, and that both Islamic law and government regulations were not followed.

“During the meeting, all leading Imaam-o-Khateebs of the Board unanimously concluded that this incident has caused confusion and chaos among the general public and has the potential to disturb public harmony. Additionally, it was noted that due process was not followed during the conversion, and that both Islamic law and government regulations were not followed,” reads an order issued by the Executive Magistrate (Tehsildar) Waqf Board cited by UNI

It was also agreed that a committee should be formed to inquire into the matter.

“Furthermore, they deemed it improper for Dr. Kamal-ud-din Farooqui to retain the position of Imaam-o-Khateeb until the conclusion of the inquiry. Accordingly, in light of this, sanction was accorded to the constitution of an Enquiry Committee,” the order reads.

The committee will be headed by Syed Mohammad Hussain, Board Member, J&K Waqf Board and it will have two members Ghulam Nabi Haleem, Board Member, J&K Waqf Board and Mohammad Yaseen Khan, Imaam-o-Khateeb, Syed Karam Shah Sahib, Karan Nagar, Srinagar.

“Kamal-ud-din Farooqui, is relieved from the duties of Imaam-o- Khateeb, Aasar-i-Shareef, Hazratbal till completion of the enquiry or till further orders,” the order reads.

The Committee shall examine the matter and furnish the factual report within a period of seven days.

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir police have registered an FIR into an incident that took place on Jumat-ul-Vida, wherein a non-local reportedly converted to Islam, termed by the police FIR as a “forced conversion.”

The video of the conversion incident went viral on social media platforms, particularly Facebook.

An FIR copy accessed by Kashmir Dot Com states, “According to reliable sources, the video, shared by certain individuals associated with News Portals, depicts a person named Sandeep, residing in Haryana, purportedly converting his religion during Friday prayers at the Hazratbal shrine.”

“The dissemination of this video has stirred unrest among the public and raised concerns about religious harmony and tolerance. The incident has also evoked strong reactions beyond the borders of Jammu and Kashmir and UT, potentially fueling sectarianism and communal discord,” the police mentioned in the FIR.

“Further investigation revealed that Sandeep was allegedly mentally manipulated by the owner of the house, Anayat Muntazir, a resident of Nowhatta, who employed Sandeep as a domestic worker at his home in Srinagar. Anayat reportedly took Sandeep to the Hazratbal shrine, where he allegedly coerced him into reciting the Kalma during congregational prayers to convert his religion,” the police FIR further elaborated.

Meanwhile, an official told Srinagar based news agency Kashmir Dot Com that FIR no. 55/2024 has been registered at Police Station Nigeen under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant), 298 (Uttering words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings), 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), and 153-A (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony).

Moreover, a Sub-Inspector ranked official has been assigned the task of completing the case file and submitting the investigation report to the Superintendent of Police for further action.

The Jammu and Kashmir police have urged the public to remain calm as they work to address the matter diligently and ensure justice prevails. 

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board has constituted a four-member committee to enquire into a fire incident at Dargah Hazratbal area in central Kashmir’s Srinagar district.

“In view of serious allegations of illegal transfer of Waqf Property at Hazratbal Srinagar in the past, & alleged negligence shown by Waqf employees & tenants leading to the fire incident, a Committee is hereby constituted to enquire into the incident & its circumstances”, reads a directive, a copy of which lies with GNS. 

The four-member committee including Dr. Ghulam Nabi Haleem, Hon'ble Board Member (Chair), Mr. Mehraj-ud-din Beigh, Principal Madinat-ul-Aloom, (Member), Mr. Mohammad Ashiq Wani, Estates Officer, R&E Wing, (Member) and Mr. Javaid Iqbal Wani, J.E Electrical (Member). 

“In addition to the inquiry into the complaints of alleged negligence leading to the fire incident, the committee shall also peruse the history of allotment of property & allegations of unauthorized transfer of the instant property, and submit its report along with recommendations within a period of 10 days positively for the perusal of the Hon'ble Chairperson and further necessary action”, reads the directive further. 

Pertinent to mention here that a massive blaze damaged at least seven residential houses including a 'U-shaped' shopping complex at Dargah Hazratbal, opposite to Sir Syed Gate of Kashmir University. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: At least seven residential houses including a 'U-shaped' shopping complex was damaged in a massive fire incident at Dargah Hazratbal in central Kashmir's Srinagar district this afternoon, officials said.

They told GNS that a fire erupted inside a shop, situated just opposite to Sir Syed Gate of Kashmir University, this morning. "Soon after, the fire raged and spread to many other shops and residential houses even as fire tenders from several nearby stations were roped in to douse off the flames on time."

After several hours of hectic efforts, the fire was brought under control, the officials said adding the blaze however caused damage to at least seven residential houses and many shops, including Hattrick and Amigos food outlets, part of a 'U-shaped' shopping complex. 

The fire, according to the official, mainly caused damage to attic, roofing and ceiling of the structures. 

Confirming it, a F&ES Department official told GNS that it took them several hours to contain the fire. The official at the same time rued the uncalled for attitude by the motorists, who according to him, blocked the road despite sirens being made by the fire tenders to pave side for their movement. 

"The authorities need on to mull into this and take necessary measures so that no emergency movement of the fire tenders is hampered in any way", the official said adding "Deputing and escorting the fire tenders with police personnel could be a viable thing in such a situation." 

The official in the meantime said that the cause of fire was not immediately known although the gas cylinder blasts in the food outlets triggered the fire to such an extent. 

It has been learnt that several structures damaged in the incident are J&K Waqf Board's property.

When contacted to ascertain the veracity of these claims, J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr. Darakshan Andrabi told GNS that she is visiting the site to assess the situation. "I am visiting the site in a while to know and assess the things", she said. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Hundreds of devotees on Wednesday thronged Hazratbal Shrine to have a glimpse of the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on the occasion of the martyrdom of Hazrat Ali Murtaza Karram-Allah-u- Wajhah (RA).

Soulful night long prayers were held at most of the mosques and imam Barghas throughout the valley on the 21st day of the holy month of Ramadhan to mark the martyrdom of the Son-in-Law of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The devotees at Hazratbal Shrine had a glimpse of the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) after every Namaz during the day.
Night long prayers with the recitation of holy Quran were also held in the Shia dominated areas including Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Pulwama and other areas of the valley.
A large gathering of mourners was held in historical Imam Bargha Zadibal Srinagar where Zakireen recited elegies.
On this occasion, the scholars throw detailed light on the pious life of Imam Ali (RA) and his virtues, attributes, achievements and services were discussed threadbare.
Meanwhile, Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar paid glowing tribute to the Khalifa-e-Raashid, Hazrat Ali Murtaza Karram-Allah-u- Wajhah (RA) on his martyrdom day.
The Anjuman in a statement described the great personality of Hazrat Ali (RA), his invaluable services and sacrifices for Islam and his achievements regarding the promotion of the Islamic State during his caliphate as unforgettable.
Every aspect of the blessed life of Hazrat Ali (RA) is a bright chapter from which the guidance will be received forever, it said in a statement. (UNI)