Jammu
In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, strong protest demonstrations were held for the second consecutive day, today, in most parts of Jammu region to condemn the blasphemous remarks of a Hindu priest, Satpal Sharma, in Reasi district.
The protests were held in Ramban, Banihal, Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Jammu city where people came out of their houses and raised slogans against the priest who uploaded a video containing blasphemous contents. The protesters said that the priest committed blasphemous act at the behest of ruling Bharatiya Janata in New Delhi.
Hundreds of people on Monday blocked the highway town of Banihal in Ramban district. The protesters demanded action against the priest and others responsible for uploading the derogatory video. All shops and other business establishments were closed in Banihal and adjoining markets. Traffic movement was affected on the highway due to the protest.
The authorities imposed curfew in Kishtwar district to prevent protests, call for which was jointly given by Markazi Majlis-e-Shura Kishtwar, Sout-ul-Awaliya, Anjuman-e-Islamia Kishtwar and other Muslim organizations against the blasphemous remarks of Satpal.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum in a statement issued in Jammu demanded a stern action against the priest saying his blasphemous remarks had hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community, particularly in the Jammu region. The Forum Chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani termed the act an attempt to disrupt the social harmony by hurting the sentiments of Muslims.
Wani said the Prophet of Islam (Peace Be Upon Him) is the highest revered personality for mankind and any blasphemous act or gesture against him was intolerable. Abdul Qayoom Wani Wani urged the authorities to take an immediate action against the heinous crime.
Blasphemers Satpal Sharma along with two other persons identified as Deepak and Rohit can be seen in the video.
Hurriyat leader Umar Aadil Dar in a statement in Srinagar also said that the Kashmiris would not tolerate any blasphemous remarks.—KMS
