Mehbooba Mufti criticised the J&K administration for stopping Farooq Abdullah from going to shrine (File)
Highlights
- "Infringement of fundamental right," tweeted the National Conference
- Farooq Abdullah was released only in March after months of detention
- Mehbooba Mufti in a tweet today criticised the administration
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah was stopped by the administration from offering prayers at Srinagar's Hazratbal shrine on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, his party the National Conference claimed in a tweet.
The National Conference tweeted that it "condemns this infringement of fundamental right to pray, especially on the auspicious occasion of Milad Un Nabi Saw."
"J&K administration has blocked the residence of party president Dr Farooq Abdullah and stopped him from offering prayers at Dargah Hazratbal. JKNC condemns this infringement of fundamental right to pray, especially on the auspicious occasion of Milad Un Nabi Saw," the National Conference tweeted.
Mr Abdullah had been under arrest since the government scrapped special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution and divided the state into two Union Territories in August last year. The former chief minister was released only in March this year, days before the lockdown necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic was announced.
People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti in a tweet today criticised the administration for allegedly stopping Mr Abdullah from reaching the shrine.
"Preventing Farooq sahab from offering prayers on Milad Un Nabi Saw at Hazratbal exposes GOI's (government of India) deep paranoia and their iron fist approach towards J&K. It's a gross violation of our rights and is highly condemnable," Ms Mufti tweeted about her latest colleague in the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, a newly minted group that includes Sajjad Lone to fight for restoration of Article 370 and resolution of Kashmir.
Ms Mufti was stopped and turned back midway on Thursday while she was going to meet party leaders who have been detained by the police for protesting against new land laws in Jammu and Kashmir.
Spokesperson of the Peoples' Alliance for Gupkar Declaration Sajad Lone said Mr Abdullah was scheduled to go to Hazratbal, but was stopped from leaving his house. "We strongly condemn the actions of the state administration which are tantamount to interference in the religious rights of Dr Farooq Abdullah. This marks a new low in the curtailment of fundamental rights of the people of J&K. We demand that the blockade be removed so that Dr Farooq Sahib is able to perform his religious duties," Mr Lone said.
Sources said indirectly restraining the two former chief ministers from meeting people in large numbers could be part of ongoing curbs for security reasons.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet today greeted people with his wishes on Milad-un-Nabi. "Best wishes on Milad-un-Nabi. Hope this day furthers compassion and brotherhood all across. May everybody be healthy and happy. Eid Mubarak!" PM Modi tweeted.
President Ram Nath Kovind also tweeted, "On the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), good wishes to all fellow citizens, especially to our Muslim brothers and sisters in India and abroad. Let us follow his teachings and work for the well-being of society and peace & harmony in the country."