IIOJK politicians react sharply to authorities’ takeover of JI-linked schools
Srinagar: Kashmiri politicians have reacted sharply to the occupied Jammu and Kashmir authorities’ takeover of the management of the 215 schools affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti in a statement in Srinagar criticized the authorities’ action, saying it was an attack on Kashmir’s educational system and cultural identity.”
She said the takeover of 215 JI-run schools was “deeply unfortunate” as these institutions had maintained a rare balance between modern and Islamic education. “There are very few schools which provide regular education along with Islamic teachings. You cannot name any other school where such a balance is maintained. Thousands of students, teachers and families are connected with these institutions,” she said.
PDP leader, Iltija Mufti, on X said Jamaat-e-Islami has always been the first target of the National Conference when in power. “Throughout Kashmir’s history every time the National Conference got a brute majority their first target has always been the Jamaat. Be it 1977 or even today where they have taken it too far by jeopardising the future of thousands of students leaving them in distress,” she said.
Peoples’ Conference chief Sajad Lone on X said, “Shame and shamelessness have assumed new meanings in this government.” He said as many as 215 schools were forcibly taken over by the authorities and no prizes for guessing. The elected government has passed the order.
“Be it mailings or termination of employees, they are equal partners. They have been equal partners in the past. And they will be equal partners in the future. This is the A team. This was always the A team,” Lone said, referring to the name-calling of his party by the National Conference (NC) during the assembly elections.
