Srinagar: Moulana Sajad Nomani, a veteran Islamic scholar, Friday said the recent exemplary bravery shown by Kashmir youth in rescuing people during recent floods unearthed their hidden potential before the outside world.

 “The recent floods carried a positive aspect. It revealed to the world and to the people of Kashmir itself that how much potential the youth here contain in selflessly helping others. They risked their lives sans any fear and saved thousands irrespective of caste and religion,” Moulana Nomani said while delivering a Friday sermon at historic Jamia masjd here.

Known for his command on oratory, Moulana Nomani said that the courage exhibited by the youth of Kashmir during the floods was laudable and the way they saved thousands of lives refuted the doubts created about them in India. “My heart commands me to salute these young boys who proved to be the Ummah of the Prophet (SAW) by saving men and women while caring little about their religion and creed. They proved to the world that they are the Ummah of that prophet (SAW) who has been sent as mercy for all humans,” he said.

Moulana Nomani said that this quality of Kashmiri youth was hidden and everyone was surprised to witnesses such a selfless attitude. “Now the need is to preserve this ability. We must all channelize this talent. The plots to divide Kashmir on sectarian grounds failed during the floods when roadside kitchens were established and people provided shelter to all,” he said.

Commenting over the issue of the international aid to the flood hit Kashmir, he said, “Muslim countries are desperately waiting to extend help to the people of Kashmir.”

While narrating one such incident, Moulana Noumani said that he delivered a lecture in one of the masjids in foreign country recently and when he concluded a veiled woman was waiting for him outside the gate. “I couldn’t understand her language. My translator told me that she was asking me whether I hail from India. When I confirmed, she asked about the people of Kashmir and handed over to me a purse which contained jewelry of her and her daughter. She asked me to send it to the flood affected people of Kashmir so that it could somehow help them,” he said.

Moulana Nomani added that the people of Kashmir must not feel alone as the entire Muslim world is with them and is praying for their betterment and prosperity.

Despite security cover, Islamic State flag surfaces again in Srinagar

Srinagar: Despite unprecedented security cover, the Islamic State or ISIS flag yet again surfaced in Old City here in summer capital Srinagar on Friday afternoon.
Eyewitnesses told GNS that even as authorities had placed hundreds of police, Central Reserve Police Force and Special Operation Group (SOG) personal in Old City areas including Nowhatta, Gojwara, Khwaja Bazar, Bhori Kadal and Rajouri Kadal, a group of youth shouting pro-ISIS and pro-Al Qaeda slogans appeared inside Jamia Masjid compound. “Two masked youth leading the group of around 20 youths were holding an ISIS flag,” an eyewitness told GNS.

According to eyewitnesses and official sources, the senior police and CRPF officers were also present in Nowhatta and they were continuously monitoring the situation. Sources informed that security men in civvies were also deployed in and around Jamia Masjid and Nowhatta to maintain vigil on suspected persons.
As the youths appeared outside Jamia Masjid with an ISIS flag, the forces deployed inside by-lanes chased them away.
Minutes before surfacing of Islamic State flag, some youth pelted stones on police men deployed on Jamia Masjid gate. However, witnesses said, they dispersed instantly.

Earlier, panic gripped Nowhatta and adjoining areas after huge contingents of forces – holding assault automatic rifles and teargas shells – arrived along with armoured vehicles. The people including shopkeepers were caught in surprise as it was after long time that Nowhatta had witnessed such huge deployment of forces on Friday.

As reported earlier by GNS, the security agencies had decided to intensify vigil in Old City on Friday.
The continuous appearance of Islamic State flag in Kashmir has worried security agencies while as army had repeatedly said that surfacing of ISIS flag merits highest concern. The security agencies in Kashmir are investigating whether youths holding ISIS flags are just sympathizers or beyond that as the group has attracted thousands across the world towards Jihad, sources on Thursday had told GNS.

The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as well as security agencies have so far said that ISIS has no presence in Kashmir. The Chief Minister few months ago revealed that a Kashmir youth based in Australia has reportedly joined Islamic State but added that none from Kashmir travelled to Syria or Iraq to join the group. He recently termed the youths holding ISIS flags ‘idiots’.

Before devastating floods, the police in Srinagar had questioned several youths over surfacing of ISIS flags in Kashmir. The police had also questioned a cameraperson working with a Mumbai based news channel. (GNS)