Srinagar : The recent conversion of one Sanseep Kumar of Huryana by the Imam of Huzratbal shrine in Srinagar, Kashmir, is indeed a concerning development with far-reaching implications. Such actions not only have the potential to complicate the already delicate situation in Jammu and Kashmir but also threaten communal harmony in the region and beyond.

Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that religious conversions, especially when they occur under questionable circumstances, can exacerbate existing tensions and fuel mistrust among different religious communities. In a region as sensitive as Kashmir, where historical and political grievances are deeply intertwined with religious identities, such incidents can easily spark unrest and deepen divisions.

The conversion of a Hindu individual by a Muslim cleric in broad day light under vedion coverage for public not only raises questions about the freedom of religion and conscience but also highlights the need for interfaith and to respect for diversity. In a pluralistic society like India, where people of various faiths have coexisted for centuries, any attempt to forcibly convert individuals or coerce them into changing their beliefs goes against the principles of secularism and tolerance.

Moreover, this incident underscores the challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits and other minority communities in the region. The Kashmiri Pandit community, which has a long history of persecution and forced displacement, views such conversions with understandable apprehension and concern. For them, it’s not just about the conversion of one individual but about the broader implications for their own security and well-being in a region where they have faced marginalization and violence in the past.

Kundan Kashmiri, President of the Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC), has expresses the serious nature of this issue and the need for fundamental questions to be addressed. The KPC’s demand for clarity and accountability regarding such activities reflects the anxieties and fears of the Kashmiri Pandit community, who have long sought justice and restitution for the atrocities committed against them.

In light of these developments,it is necessary to ensure the freedom of religion for individuals to practice their faith without fear of coercion or persecution, as well as promoting interfaith harmony.Such activities have negative effect and benifits none.,said KundanKashmiri ,President,KashmiriPanditConference ( KPC )..
.
[ MEDIA CELL KPC].
kundankashmiri@gmail.com
MobileNo 880 2167955