JAMMU: At least 6,000 Kashmiri Muslims have taken refuge in different mosques of Indian occupied Jammu district fearing attacks by Hindu nationalist mobs in the wake of the suicide attack in Pulwama district which claimed the lives of at least 44 paramilitary troops.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Abdul Majid, a member of Makkah Masjid Committee, Bathindi, said that around 2,500 to 3,000 people are putting up at the mosques. “These include stranded Kashmir-bound passengers as well as people living in sensitive zones of Jammu district.”
“We reached Jammu on Sunday evening, fearing attacks in other areas, we took refuge in Makkah Masjid, Bathindi,” said Aijaz Ahmed Mir, a resident of Baramulla who had gone to Chandigarh with his wife for medical treatment.
Another resident of occupied Kashmir, Zahid Salam Wani, said, “I am from Budgam district and pursue my studies in Kolkata. Due to the prevailing situation, I came to Jammu by train and plan to go to Srinagar tomorrow. I will be staying here at Bathindi.”
The committee members, Muhammad Ashraf, Jamaat Ali and Majid Ahmed Tak, asked people from all communities to come to Bathindi if they feel unsafe elsewhere.
Meanwhile, in Khatika Talab’s Jamia Masjid around 1,000-1,500 people have taken refuge.
“We have made all arrangements here, from food to bedding,” Salman Salaria, a local said.
The locals provided gas cylinders, ration as well as cash. Besides, the local hoteliers provided utensils to cook food.
In Gujjar Nagar, around 1,000-1,500 people have taken refuge after various reports of Kashmiris, including students, traders and employees, were threatened to leave the place.
