Grand Mufti Calls for Micro-Loans for Needy, Raises Concern Over Drug Abuse, ‘Immoral Activities’ Among  Youth

Srinagar, Sep 15, KNT: Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam on Tuesday called for urgent collective efforts to address growing social and economic concerns in Kashmir, suggesting that micro-loan facilities be created for needy people and warning of what he described as the increasing involvement of Kashmiri daughters in drug abuse and immoral activities.

Addressing a crucial meeting of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) J&K in Srinagar, the Grand Mufti stressed the need for the religious leadership and society to wake up to emerging social challenges.

“If we won’t wake up now, then only Allah knows what will happen to Kashmir,” he said, while emphasizing the need for timely intervention.

Nasir-ul-Islam suggested that micro-loans could be facilitated for economically weaker sections so that needy families and individuals could establish small sources of livelihood rather than remain dependent on assistance.

He also expressed concern over the spread of drug abuse and what he termed immoral activities among Kashmiri youth, particularly raising concern over the vulnerability of girls and women to such social problems.

The meeting was attended by Ulema from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, Kargil and Doda, who had specially travelled to Srinagar to participate in the one-day Ulema Meet and Seerat Conference organized by the MMU.

Their participation brought together religious scholars from different geographical areas of the Union Territory, with the conference focusing on religious, social and community-related concerns.

The gathering also highlighted the role of collective responsibility in addressing challenges facing society, with the participating Ulema stressing the importance of unity and coordinated efforts among religious and community institutions.

The MMU has previously taken up social issues including drug abuse and community welfare in its deliberations. The latest meeting comes amid continuing concerns over substance abuse and other social challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Ulema from Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri, Kargil and Doda, meanwhile, said their participation reflected the spirit of unity and shared responsibility in confronting the religious and social challenges facing the people of Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]