Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Apr 25: In the wake of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, where 27 people, mostly tourists, were killed, the prominent religious clerics across Kashmir on Friday strongly condemned the incident, calling it a brutal and inhuman act.
Among the voices of condemnation was Riyaz-ul-Haq Noorabadi, Imam and Khateeb of the revered, historical Dargah Hazratbal shrine, who denounced the attack and offered prayers for the victims.
According to reports, religious clerics from different parts of the valley urged people to reject violence in all forms and to pray for lasting peace in the Valley.
They also appealed to the valley to pray for recovery of the injured persons and condemned the killings in Pahalgam.
Meanwhile, condemnation also poured in from various religious centers and Masjids across Srinagar, Anantnag, Baramulla, and other districts of North and South Kashmir, among others.
In Srinagar city, the condemnation poured from the historical Jamia Masjid Srinagar, Gowkadal Masjid, Astan-e-Aliya Masjid at Gupkar Chowk, Sajjadbad Masjid in Chattabal, among other parts of the city.
Special prayers, strongly condemning the attack, were held across Srinagar, and people expressed solidarity with the families of the victims.
Riyaz-ul-Haq Noorabadi, the Imam and Khateeb of the revered, historical Dargah Hazratbal said, Kashmir is the land of Sufis and saints, and we have been known for our hospitality and loving culture.
“The Pahalgam incident has made every heart cry, and we are condemning the incident,” he said, adding that the killings were deeply painful and stood against the principles of Islam.
Moreover, local residents also echoed the clerics’ voices.
A worshipper at Hazratbal Srinagar said, “Our masjid held special prayers. We are all heartbroken and condemn the incidents from the core of our hearts.”
Meanwhile, from downtown Srinagar to the uptown Masjids, and other districts of the Kashmir valley, almost every Masjid issued a strong condemnation, showing unity and collective grief over the tragic incident.
Notably, as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and mourning, a one-minute silence was observed at the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar to honour the victims of the Pahalgam attack.
Meanwhile, Kashmir’s Chief Clerk, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also condemned the killings. (KNO)
