Srinagar, Oct 13 (KNS): Senior politician Bilal Gani Lone on Tuesday backed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s call for uniformity in Friday sermon topics, saying decisions concerning religious discourse should rest with religious scholars rather than the government or government-controlled institutions.

In a statement, Lone opposed the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board’s move concerning Friday sermons, describing it as an unwarranted interference in religious affairs.

“Mirwaiz Saheb-led MMU must take a call on this matter and be allowed to decide the way forward. Religious matters should be guided by religious scholars and leaders, not by government diktats,” Lone said.

He maintained that any attempt to determine what should be preached from mosque pulpits through administrative intervention was unacceptable.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Any attempt to dictate what should be preached from the pulpits of mosques is unacceptable and must be opposed,” he said.

Lone said the Waqf Board’s decision raised concerns about interference in matters traditionally handled by religious institutions and scholars.

“This is very unfortunate. Religious affairs must be left to religious leaders and scholars, not dictated by the government or any government-controlled institution,” he added.

He reiterated that the Mirwaiz-led MMU should be allowed to decide the future course of action on the issue without government interference. (KNS)