Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday expressed concern over reports that a case has been registered against mourners who attended the funeral of noted Islamic scholar and former Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sheikh Ghulam Hassan, and urged the authorities to avoid what she termed a “witch hunt”.
After visiting the bereaved family at Tarigam in Kulgam district to offer condolences, Mehbooba said thousands of people had participated in the funeral prayers of Sheikh Ghulam Hassan, reflecting the respect and influence he commanded among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
She said some mourners may have made emotional remarks during the gathering, but maintained there was no anti-national speech against the country.
“I am sorry to say that people who participated in the funeral were emotional and some may have said things not according to our liking, but there was no anti-national speech against the country,” she told reporters.
The PDP president said she had heard reports about an FIR allegedly being filed against some participants and questioned the move. However, there has been no official confirmation from the authorities regarding the registration of any FIR in connection with the funeral.
The socio-religious organisation Jamaat-e-Islami was banned on February 28, 2019, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). In 2024, the ban was extended for another five years.
Referring to Jamaat-e-Islami, Mehbooba said the organisation had remained part of Jammu and Kashmir’s social and educational landscape for decades and had contributed through institutions that produced doctors and engineers.
“ .. We are talking of starting a dialogue with Pakistan and treating our own people like this.,” she said while appealing to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to ensure that mourners are not harassed over expressions of grief and emotion.
Meanwhile, Apni Party also expressed concern over the reports. Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari termed the alleged lodging of an FIR “deeply regrettable”.
“If true, the lodging of an FIR against individuals who spoke at the condolence gathering held for noted Islamic scholar and former Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Sheikh Ghulam Hassan Sahib, is deeply regrettable.
I strongly believe that these actions are unjustified, send a disturbing message, and dishearten the people,” Bukhari said.
