Srinagar: Strongly condemning the use of “brute force” against worshippers in Srinagar’s central mosque (Jamia Masjid) on Friday, the Jama’at-e-Islami (JeI) has alleged that “the assault on Jamia Masjid seems to be a part of the hidden agenda of mass extermination of Kashmiri Muslims for which government forces have been given a free license.”

A statement issued by JeI’s chief spokesperson Zahid Ali said that government forces were missing no chance to use indiscriminate force against civilians with the aim “to suppress people’s genuine aspirations”.

“The use of brutal, provocative and barbaric force by the unruly Indian forces upon the peaceful people engaged in Friday prayers resulting in serious injuries to dozens of innocent people present in Jamia Masjid Srinagar is highly condemnable and unendurable,” the statement said.

Quoting Advocate Zahid Ali, the JeI statement said that “Jamia Masjid Srinagar has always remained their main target. On everyFriday, these forces in a large number cordon this sacred place turning it virtually into an army garrison. This is being done to intimidate thousands of worshippers.”

The JeI alleged that “the state of Jammu and Kashmir has become a police state which is manned by such bureaucrats who have least sympathy with the local people and their only aim is to suppress them.”

The statement added that “the presence of huge forces around the Jamia becomes a provocation for the people and when worshippers object to this unwanted presence of forces, they get a chance to use their might against the innocent and peaceful worshipers.”