Srinagar, Oct 13 (KNS): Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari on Tuesday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board's proposal to introduce uniform themes for Friday sermons, saying religious matters should not be handled through administrative directives without consulting religious leaders and seeking wider public opinion.

In a post on X, Bukhari said religious issues required sensitivity and wisdom, warning against decisions that could hurt public sentiments or create unnecessary controversy.

"Religious matters require the utmost sensitivity and wisdom. They cannot and should not be handled through administrative directives," he said.

Bukhari questioned the Waqf Board's decision to propose common sermon themes across mosques and religious institutions in the Valley without prior consultation with religious scholars and the public.

"To begin with, the Waqf Board should not have proposed uniform themes for Friday sermons across mosques and religious institutions in the Valley without first consulting religious leaders and seeking wider public opinion," he said.

Highlighting the role of religious scholars in Kashmir, Bukhari said the Valley had several respected religious leaders who enjoyed public trust and confidence.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He also referred to the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), saying the organisation provided an important platform for religious scholars to deliberate on sensitive religious matters.

"Platforms like the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) provide an important forum for religious leaders to discuss and deliberate on sensitive matters," he said.

The Apni Party chief urged the Waqf Board to remain mindful of Kashmir's religious sensitivities and avoid steps that could trigger public resentment.

"Waqf Board must remain mindful of the Valley's religious sensitivities and refrain from taking any steps that could hurt public sentiments or create unnecessary controversy," Bukhari said.

His remarks come amid criticism from political leaders and religious organisations over the Waqf Board's proposal to constitute a committee of Muftis, Imams and Khateebs to identify common themes for Friday sermons.

The Board has described the initiative as an effort to promote religious awareness, moral values, social harmony and coordination among religious institutions. (KNS)