shia-leader-warns-against-firs-on-muharram-mourners

Prominent Shia leader Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi has warned the authorities over registering the FIRs or the arrest of youth participating in the Muharram processions.

While addressing a massive gathering of mourners at Imambargah Bemina in Srinagar's outskirts, Aga Hadi threatened that the Shia community would not remain silent if mourners were targeted by the administration.

 

“If they arrest our boys after the 14th [of Muharram], we will all offer ourselves for mass arrest,” Hadi declared. “Let’s see how big their jails are. We haven’t violated the Constitution or committed any breach of law. So why are FIRs being filed? Are we criminals or thieves?” he asked.

 

He went on to condemn the police action over what he described as disrespectful conduct by police personnel toward mourners who were commemorating the martyrdom of the Grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam.

 

Hadi expressed anger over the action and said, “What’s the idea behind open FIRs? Their careers are now at stake just because they mourned for their Imam. If they are touched, we will not stay calm,” Aga Hadi, who heads a faction of Anjuman-e-Sharie Shiayan, warned in a live televised address.

 

He questioned whether India is a free country, and if it is, then what do the actions of the authorities suggest? “If India is truly free, is this the example they are setting for the world to see?” he added.

 

Hadi, a prominent voice of the Shia community who is often known for his speeches suggesting peaceful co-existence, has a massive youth following from Shia and Sunnis.

 

“We are a disciplined and dignified community. Treat us with respect. We are with you to maintain law and order. No one will throw a stone or disturb peace—unless the administration pushes us to the wall.”

 

The statement came after recent police actions, where they were seen removing the banners of Slain former Hezbollah chief Syed Hassan Nasrallah from Magam, in Central Kashmir, and Srinagar’s Nageen area, as well as the filing of fresh FIRs against mourners who participated in the 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar.