By TCN News
Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS) condemned the killing of president of Jamait-ul-Al-Hadees Maulana Showkat in an IED explosion here on Friday. “It will be written as one of the black days in the history of Kashmir when such a refined and great Ulema of Kashmir got killed in a cowardice act,” read a statement issued by KPSS president Sanjay K. Tickoo.
Maulana Showkat Shah, who was killed just ahead of Friday prayers in Srinagar, was the Kashmir Valley’s most vocal critic of stone pelting protests and even issued a fatwa against it, earning for himself abuse, death threats and the tag of ‘Indian agent’.The maulana, who headed the Jamiat-e-Ahlihadith, an organised religious group with cadres even in all parts of the state, was also known for his links with the moderate faction of the separatist Hurriyat Conference.
“Stone pelting cannot be justified. Islam is about discipline. If the leaders are asking people to refrain from stone pelting, then they should adhere to these directions. Prophet Mohammed too has asked us to refrain from it,” the Maulana had said at a seminar in Srinagar in April 2010.
KPSS requested the public to maintain peace and asked the State and Central Government to book the culprits who are behind the killing.
KPSS prayed for the peace of the departed soul and expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.