From: The Times of India
Geelani slams J&K Sharia court
M Saleem Pandit, TNN | Jan 29, 2012
SRINAGAR: Criticising the self-styled Sharia court in Srinagar that "expelled" four Christian priests charged with converting Kashmiri youth, Hurriyat hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Saturday said people who make a noise about religious conversions never bother to raise their voices against atrocities committed on common Kashmiris. He also spoke glowingly of missionary-run schools in J&K.
Geelani said it's the duty of every Muslim to protect members of the minority community. "Asking a few people to leave the state is no solution to religious conversions. I am not in favour of the decision taken by the Sharia court, which is to banish a few people for their alleged role in conversions," Geelani said in a statement from New Delhi.
"Muslims should protect their religion themselves; expelling somebody from Kashmir is no solution to the problem," said the separatist leader, adding, "Kashmiris can't ignore the contribution of Christian missionary schools like Burn Hall, Tydale Biscoe school and Presentation Convent towards the education system in the Valley. Unfortunately, Muslims have not been able to build educational institutions like these despite having all available resources."
On January 19, a self-styled Sharia court had issued a fatwa asking four Christian priests to leave the state for "luring Muslims to Christianity". The court also directed the J&K government to take over the management of missionary schools besides monitoring their activities.
As a result of the edicts, Kashmir's 400-strong Christian community felt threatened and Christian groups across India asked the Centre to take steps to protect them.
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