[Reader-list] Letter to the editor

[S. Jabbar]

Dear All,
Pasting below a letter to the editor from the Kashmir Observer.  This is the
spirit of generosity that has been absent in the entire debate/fight/war on
the land transfer issue.
Best
Sj

-------------------

Dear Editor,
My humble greetings. I write to you as a brother of Islam and a fellow human
being.
The mockery of religion and politics that is unfolding in the Valley brings
me to shame. 
As disturbing as this charade is, perhaps more disheartening is the fact
that a small gesture offering comfort to people has been mauled into a
grotesque show of power and threat.
I fail to understand how this can happen and am afraid to ask why. My
conscience is unable to accept the answer.
I ask you, sir, what has happened to compassion towards fellow human beings,
as directed by our Prophet Mohammad? Can't we show a little consideration
for people on a pilgrimage?
Jammu and Kashmir belong to a free, democratic country. Then why this
chaining of basic human right? Aren't providing amenities a fundamental duty
of any government? Why drag a sacred entity like religion into this matter?
The Haj is a sacred pilgrimage for you and me. I would like to see every
Muslim going on the Haj, comfortable on his commune with God. Won't our
Hindu brothers and sisters going on the Amarnath Yatra require the same
consideration? These pilgrims don't even have hygienic toilet arrangements,
medical facilities and a roof over their heads. Can't we extend some
compassion towards them?
Creating a hue and cry by political parties is irresponsible and ignorant.
Misguiding young minds by claiming that 'Islam is in danger'. The real
danger is when we forget the teachings of our Prophet.
Lets safeguard the true tenets of Islam by standing up of the rights of our
fellow human beings. Lets urge the centre to stop all grants to Jammu and
Kashmir until the human rights of every individual ­ irrespective of caste
and creed ­ are safeguarded. I urge you to spread the message of Allah, of
peace and compassion. Lets each raise a voice against this atrocity.
Faizal Sheikh 
on email