The Jammu and People’s Conference on Monday called out the Lieutenant-Governor led J&K administration for “humiliating a senior religious leader” who was called to attend a meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. LG Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review arrangements for Muharram which was also attended by senior officials of the administration including Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, VK Bidhuri. Imran Reza Ansari, a prominent leader of the Shia community in Kashmir who was also a minister in the Mehbooba Mufti government, was among those invited to the secretariat to discuss arrangements for the upcoming Muharram processions in Srinagar for the 8th and 10th days of Muharram. Ansari reportedly walked out of the meeting after an argument. Speaking to The Indian Express Ansari said, “I was among five community leaders called for the meeting. It was their initiative to allow Muharram processions and we had gone to discuss arrangements.” After initial discussions, Ansari told the LG that “while he has paid several visits to review arrangements for the Amarnath yatra, he has not paid attention to arrangements for Muharram.” According to Ansari, the chief secretary of J&K Arun Kumar Mehta termed Ansari’s concerns “sectarian”. Taking exception, Ansari said that he walked out of the meeting “because they kept asking me to stop raising my issues.” The J&K Peoples Conference strongly condemned the episode and “behaviour by the state administration”. "We express deep concern over the dangerous precedent set by the administration. It started with the humiliation of political leaders, and now they are moving into the domain of humiliating religious leaders,” the party said in a statement. Ansari added that it “does not behove” the head of the state administration to facilitate the humiliation of a religious leader, “who incidentally had been very cordially invited.” “This is an occasion of utmost religious importance for all of us. The UT administration and Government of India is working with sensitivity and commitment to ensure all arrangements for smooth, safe and hassle-free conduct of Muharram,” the Lt Governor said. The Lt Governor directed Deputy Commissioners to ensure improved connectivity to Imambaras, power supply, availability of extra ration, water and basic amenities, regular market inspection, cleanliness, traffic management and proper medical facilities. According to a statement issued by the administration, the LG has assured prompt and appropriate steps to address issues and demands raised during the interaction.
