All India Imam Organisation Chief Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi on Friday said that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which he described as an integral part of India, would “return to India very soon,” asserting that the desire for reunification comes from the people of PoK themselves.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Ilyasi said that residents of PoK wish to hold a referendum to express their aspirations.
“I want like to say something to my neighbouring country from Kashmir that the PoK is our integral part and will definitely join India again. The people of the PoK want to hold a referendum and want to return to their homes,” he said.
The cleric said that people in PoK were happy to see the progress of Jammu and Kashmir and that their sentiments favour integration with India.
“It is not us, but the people of PoK who want this. Inshallah (God willing), their ‘ghar wapsi’ will take place soon and PoK will join India,” he remarked.
Ilyasi, who has often been seen engaging in interfaith outreach, is considered a man known for his “proximity to the ruling BJP and the RSS”. He was also among the few Muslim clerics invited to the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.
Ilyasi said that Kashmir has transformed into a “New Kashmir” after the abrogation of Article 370, claiming that development, education, and tourism have increased in the region.
He said that the removal of Article 370 in 2019 brought “happiness to the whole of Kashmir” and led to visible changes on the ground.
“I am happy to say that today, Kashmir is a New Kashmir. After the removal of Article 370, there is development, and tourism has increased. People are happy,” he said.
He said that the situation of youth has changed significantly over the years. “There was a time when young children used to pelt stones. Today, children have pens in their hands. Children are studying and focusing on education,” he added.
Ilyasi also praised the work of Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board and also a BJP leader, saying her work made him realize that leaders including union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had fulfilled their responsibilities effectively.
He said that Andrabi had made the Waqf Board in Kashmir a model institution.
Referring to the last year’s attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Ilyasi said tourism had been affected slightly but urged tourists to continue visiting Kashmir.
“I would like to say that after the attack in Pahalgam, tourism has weakened a little, but I want to tell people that they should definitely come to Kashmir. There should be no fear,” he said.
He emphasized that Kashmir remains peaceful and safe for visitors and tourism will continue to grow.
The Muslim cleric also expressed concern over the ongoing war in West Asia, saying that wars are harmful for everyone and bring destruction.
Ilyasi said that conflicts and wars do not benefit any country and only lead to loss of lives and destruction.
He expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi would play a role in mediation and peace efforts to help end the conflict.
