PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today alleged that the J&K Police had lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against locals who attended the funeral of banned Jamaat-e-Islami (Jel) leader and scholar Ghulam Hassan in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
Her remarks came hours after she visited the bereaved family of Hassan, who passed away on May 17.
“A highly respected Islamic scholar and former Jamaat-e-Islami chief, thousands attended his funeral. It is unfortunate that mourners have been slapped with FIRs merely for expressing grief and emotions. I request (J&K Chief Minister) Omar Abdullah and (Lieutenant Governor) Manoj Sinha to stop this witch hunt,” said Mufti.
During her visit, the PDP chief expressed solidarity with the family and prayed “that the departed soul attains the highest place in Jannat (heaven)”.
Meanwhile, J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari also reacted to the reports of the FIR. “If 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 is true, it is deeply regrettable. I strongly believe that these actions are unjustified, send a disturbing message, and dishearten the people,” said Bukhari.
Locals said the funeral procession was peaceful and drew thousands of mourners. Several community elders reportedly addressed the gathering and spoke about the contributions of the deceased and the banned JeI. Sources also said pro-Jamaat slogans were raised during the funeral on May 18.
The Ministry of Home Affairs banned the Jamaat-e-Islami in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), declaring it an “illegal association” for five years. The ban was extended in February 2024 till 2029.
