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Kashmir Now a Model for India Post-370, Says Top Imam, Eyes PoK 'Homecoming'

The chief of the All India Imam Organisation has declared Jammu and Kashmir a model for the rest of India following the abrogation of Article 370. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the region's transformation, noting improved safety and a tourism boom. He expressed confidence that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir would seek integration with India after witnessing this progress. Ilyasi also praised the work of J&K Waqf Board chief Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi and hoped PM Modi would help mediate the West Asia conflict.

Key Points: Top Imam Hails J&K as National Model After Article 370 Abrogation

  • J&K hailed as national model
  • Security and tourism have improved
  • PoK integration predicted
  • Praise for Modi and Shah's efforts
  • Waqf Board work commended
2 min read

J&K after Article 370's abrogation is model for rest of the country: All India Imam Organisation chief

All India Imam Organisation chief praises PM Modi, Amit Shah for J&K's transformation, calls it safe and progressive, predicts PoK's integration with India.

"Today there is pen in those hands, who used to pelt stones. - Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi"

Srinagar, April 3

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chief Imam of All India Imam Organisation, said on Friday that after abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has changed so much that it has become a model for the rest of the country.

Speaking to media here, Ilyasi added that the efforts of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have borne fruit in the changed picture Kashmir of today presents to us.

"Today there is pen in those hands, who used to pelt stones. Tourism is booming, although there was some hiccup after the Pahalgam terror attack."

"Kashmir today is safe for everybody and everybody must come here. Tourism is back on track and Kashmir is moving fast on the path to progress," Ilyasi said.

"I am highly impressed by the work Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi (Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chief) has done here. It has opened my eyes. Her work in the Waqf Board has changed Kashmir into a model for all of us," the chief cleric added.

He cautioned "the neighbouring country (Pakistan)" that Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) would definitely be integrated with Jammu and Kashmir.

"The people there (PoK) are seeing the progress in Kashmir and they are happy to see this. They want to hold a referendum and join India. With Allah's grace, their 'Ghar Wapsi' (homecoming) would soon take place," Ilyasi said.

Talking about the West Asia conflict, the chief cleric said war is not good for anyone, adding: "It harms everybody."

He hoped that PM Modi would mediate in the West Asia conflict and the war would end soon.

Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi is the Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization, the largest Imam organisation in the world, representing half a million Imams in India.

He is a prominent interfaith leader recognised for promoting peace, dialogue, and a "Nation First" ideology.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I welcome the positive news about tourism and development, we must also listen to the voices of ordinary Kashmiris about their lived experiences. Progress is more than just statistics; it's about people's sense of belonging and dignity.
R
Rohit P
The part about PoK is crucial. The people there are indeed watching. When they see prosperity and peace on our side, integration becomes an aspiration, not a forced idea. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited Kashmir last year, I can attest to the sense of normalcy and the warm hospitality. The scenery is breathtaking, and it did feel safe. More flights and packages would help boost tourism further.
V
Vikram M
"Pens instead of stones" – that's the most powerful line. This is what we wanted for our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Education and opportunity can defeat any extremist narrative. Kudos to all working on the ground.
M
Michael C
Interesting perspective. The mention of Dr. Andrabi's work with the Waqf Board is notable. Often, religious institutions are seen as conservative, but if they are being leveraged for socio-economic development, that's a modern and positive approach.
K
Kavya N
We should be cautiously

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