Modi-led government posing threat to Muslims' identity in India: Siraj

Emir Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Siraj-ul-Haq has said that Modi-led Indian government is not only bent upon changing the demography of Indian-occupied Kashmir (IOK) but is also posing a serious threat to the identity of Muslims in India. He said this while addressing a press conference after inquiring after health of President Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain here at his residence on Monday.

The JI chief was accompanied by JI Secretary General Ameerul Azim and JI Naib Emir Mian Aslam. Siraj said over eight million Kashmiris have been under siege for 77 days in the held region and world is acting as a silent spectator over the worst human rights violations in IOK. Siraj said that present government of Pakistan led by Prime Minister Imran Khan has just made huge hue and cry over his speech at the United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) a month ago but has not taken any other step for highlighting the plight of the millions of besieged Kashmiris. Siraj said Kashmir is passing through critical time in the history.

Replying to a query, he said the Kashmir is a matter of life and death for the Kashmiris and Pakistanis. Earlier, the JI chief met the PML-Q chief and inquired after his health. Both the leaders discussed matters related to mutual interest and plight of Kashmiris in the held valley. Siraj informed the journalists about the JI's efforts to create awareness and mobilize people on Kashmir cause.

The JI has been organizing programmes in different cities and also in foreign countries in support of Kashmiris since the day Modi government stripped away the special autonomy of IOK, he told the media persons. He announced that JI had decided to organize an international two-day conference on Kashmir in Islamabad on November 3 and 4. International human rights delegations, leading writers, journalists and political leadership from all parties would attend the event, he added.

The JI chief said the government failed to act decisively in support of Kashmiri brethren. He said it is responsibility of the government to unite the nation on Kashmir cause. But, he added, the rulers are rather dividing and creating rifts among masses. He said Modi had repeatedly expressed his desire to turn Pakistan into desert. He emphasized the need for initiating collective efforts and making brave steps to thwart Indian designs.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019