Sever Pak ties: Ajmer shrine head

JAIPUR/AJMER: The dewan of Ajmer dargah on Monday asked the Union government to snap ties with Pakistan over its army chief Raheel Sharif's statement describing Kashmir as 'jugular vein' of his country.

Syed Zainul Abedin Ali Khan while addressing heads of various shrines in Mehfil Khana expressed disappointment at Indian government's poor response to the remark.

"Such nonsense statements issued on a routine by Pakistan's politicians, diplomats and sometimes by their non-state actors should be reciprocated in similar manner. Kashmir is an integral part of India. It is highly uncalled for them to peek into our internal affairs at a time when they are struggling to control sectarian violence in their own land," Khan said. He demands a paradigm shift in Indian foreign policy especially towards Pakistan.

Islam preaches cordial relations with neighbours and Pakistan being an Islamic republic has never put this tenet in practice, he said adding that Pakistan's interference in our affairs gives them an opportunity to build a popular stereotype for Muslims here.

He also talked about terrorism and communal conflicts in the country and advised the upcoming government that every political party should come on a single stage on these issues. They should demand the ban of every sort of relations with Pakistan, he said.

Khan raised the issue of Muslim killings in Assam by Bodo terrorists as an apparent attempt to kindle sectarian violence in the north-east region. The heads of shrines unanimously condemned the killings and called for an action plan to ensure that violence ends and people who fled their homes may return.

"The fresh killings are an outcome of some political leaders fanning religious sentiments. These killings took place in the midst of Lok Sabha polls and Election Commission should investigate if these are fanned due to political reasons?" Khan said.

He also urged Muslims to rally behind the new government at the centre and participate in every nation-building activity. "Community is lagging behind in all social and economical parameters. Time has come that we should set short term goals including focus on educating our new generation," Khan said.

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