Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, January 16: Congress leader Usman Bagwan has strongly condemned the alleged assault on a youth from Kishtwar inside Jamia Masjid Doda after Friday prayers, terming the incident shameful, unacceptable, and an attack on democratic and religious values.
In a statement, Usman Bagwan said his cousin, Mohd Usman Iqbal Bagwan of Kishtwar, was assaulted after he questioned the Imam of Jamia Masjid Doda. He alleged that instead of responding in a peaceful and respectful manner, miscreants attacked the youth, dragged him out of the mosque, and brutally beat him, putting his life at risk.
Bagwan appreciated the timely intervention of Doda Police, stating that their swift action saved the victim’s life. He urged the Doda Police Administration to register an FIR and take strict legal action against those responsible for the life-threatening assault, stressing that violence inside a place of worship cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
According to sources, the victim has been identified as Mozim, who performs Azan at Jamia Masjid Kishtwar. It is alleged that he had questioned former National Conference Minister of State for Home, Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy, over his participation in Christmas celebrations held in Jammu. Khalid Najeeb, a senior NC leader, former MLA Doda and former MLC, is also associated with Jamia Masjid Doda as an Imam. He had reportedly participated in the Christmas event in Jammu along with NC Member of Parliament Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, which is stated to have led to the confrontation and subsequent assault.
The incident has sparked a political storm across the region, with sharp reactions emerging from various political and social quarters. The assault inside a mosque has drawn widespread condemnation, with calls for accountability, restraint, and respect for peaceful dialogue, even on sensitive issues.
