Srinagar: Kashmir Traders fraternity Tuesday criticized the government for ‘harassing’ people of Kashmir and accused it of ‘direct interference in religious affairs.’

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, KCCI Vice President Abdul Hamid Mir condemned what he termed as repeated harassment of leaders, institutions, and organizations in Kashmir.

He said socio-religious institutions were a part of Kashmiri history and culture. “Their role in the upliftment of the poor, supporting orphans and imparting education and Islamic values to a majority of the population is unparalleled,” he said.

Mir said that any attempt to weaken these institutions and their leaders by making motivated accusations is being seen as direct interference in “our religious affairs.”

“We are of the firm conviction that under present abnormal conditions prevailing in the State, the Government shall act more cordially to avoid harassment to Kashmiris,” he said.