SRINAGAR: In a concerning move, the Indian government led by Narendra Modi has sparked widespread demonstrations in Srinagar by sealing the bank accounts of a prominent masjid named after Sufi cleric Khwaja Habibullah Nowshahri.
The freezing of accounts, which occurred in the Nowshehra area of Srinagar, triggered strong protests from the local population. Protesters claim that the authorities unjustly sealed the accounts, accusing the masjid of fund misappropriation without providing any substantial proof.
Speaking to the media, demonstrators said that the interference in religious matters has intensified since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed control of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board.
Despite weeks of seeking evidence to substantiate the allegations, protesters said that authorities have failed to provide any proof.
Protesters strongly deny the accusations, labeling the act as part of a larger conspiracy to assume control of the masjid and an adjacent khanqah.
They expressed concerns over the increasing interference in religious affairs and denounced the lack of transparency in the freezing of the accounts.
The incident sheds light on the broader challenges faced by religious institutions in the region, particularly as they grapple with political changes and perceived attempts to undermine their autonomy.
