Grand Mufti Nasir ul Islam condemns Delhi blast, seeks impartial probe

Srinagar, Nov 24: Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Nasir ul Islam, on Monday expressed deep anguish over the Red Fort blast, terming the attack “highly condemnable” and “against every principle of humanity and religion.”

Addressing a press conference at his Soura office, the Grand Mufti said he was pained by the loss of lives and the fear triggered by the incident. “Terrorism has no religion. Such acts are not humane in any way, and no religion permits this. It is the biggest tragedy,” he said.

Recalling Kashmir’s long-standing rejection of violence, he said the people of the Valley have always stood united against such acts. “When the Pahalgam attack happened, and innocent people were killed, the whole of Kashmir came out against it. Students, traders, and people from all walks of life protested. We have always condemned violence, no matter where it takes place,” he said.

The Grand Mufti, however, voiced serious concern over reports that Kashmiris were being targeted after the Red Fort incident. “It is unfortunate that Kashmiris are being unduly harassed. People who have nothing to do with the blasts are being questioned and troubled. This is very wrong,” he said.

He said Kashmiris have always advocated peace and expect to be treated with dignity. “Kashmir is the land of peace, the land of Sufi saints who taught us love and coexistence,” he said.

Mufti Nasir ul Islam also expressed regret over the recent accidental blast in Nowgam and called for a fair investigation into both the Delhi blasts and the Nowgam incident. “There must be an impartial probe. The country needs to know what lapses occurred and how the explosives were stored in that area,” he said.

Turning to local concerns, the Grand Mufti criticised the government’s reported proposal for a 20 per cent hike in electricity tariff, calling it “anti-people.” He said the administration was elected on promises of relief and better governance. “Such decisions will put a heavy burden on the public. People are already distressed and struggling. The government must remember what it promised and make the lives of Kashmiris easier rather than pushing for such measures,” he said.