Srinagar, Oct 14 : Clarifying the controversy over uniform Friday sermons, the Imam and Khateeb of Hazratbal Dargah, Maulana Raiyaz Ul Haq Noorqnadi, on Wednesday asserted that there was no government circular or agenda behind the meeting of religious scholars, insisting that they cannot tolerate interference in religious matters.

Addressing the row, the cleric as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said, “There was no government circular or agenda behind the meeting. We are religious scholars, responsible for guiding society and serving the community. We cannot tolerate interference in religious matters.”

He further stated that the scholars would decide sermon topics in consultation with each other, keeping in view the prevailing circumstances and social issues.

The clarification comes amid a raging controversy over reports of a proposed uniform Friday sermon framework in Kashmir, with several religious and political quarters expressing concern over what they termed as undue interference in religious affairs.

Maulana Reyaz Noorqanadi sought to allay apprehensions, maintaining that decisions regarding sermons rest solely with the community’s religious scholars and would continue to reflect the evolving social context and concerns of the people. He also appealed to political leaders not to interfere in religious matters. (KNS)