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| Afghanistan/South Asia |
| Kashmiris reject ban on political speeches in mosques |
| 2005-08-28 |
| Kashmiris vowed on Saturday to fight âtooth and nailâ a ban by Indian Kashmirâs government on political speeches in most of the regionâs main mosques and shrines. Iftikhar Andrabi, chief executive officer of the government-regulated Waqaf Board, said the decision to enforce the ban aimed to prevent separatists and pro-India politicians from using religious sites to spread political beliefs. âNo one will be allowed to make such speeches,â he said in Srinagar. The decision by the Waqaf Board, made public late last week, has infuriated separatists who say that according to Islamic tradition religion and politics are intertwined. âIslam allows us to discuss politics in mosques. How can the government dictate otherwise?â said Mirwaz Umar Farooq. âItâs a clear interference in our religious affairs, and we will fight it tooth and nail.â Syed Ali Geelani also denounced the move. âThe government has no power to stop people making speeches in favour of freedom for Kashmir and the institution of Islamic law in shrines and mosques,â Geelani said. |
| Posted by:Fred |