'Mindset of aggression': Kashmir's chief preacher condemns US airstrikes on Iran

Srinagar, Jul 9 (PTI) Kashmir's chief preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Thursday condemned new US airstrikes on Iran, saying it reflects a "mindset of aggression". "It is unfortunate. The US had made a commitment to let the funeral conclude peacefully. But, regretfully, once again, they stepped back from their commitment, as we have seen in the past," Mirwaiz told reporters in Budgam district in central Kashmir. He said the United States should not have taken such an action while Iran was mourning the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "Not only the people of Jammu and Kashmir, but Muslims across the world feel that the way power is being used ruthlessly, and international laws are being openly violated, and the way a peaceful nation is being bombarded and harmed, this reflects a mindset of aggression," he said. "The US should have avoided such action," according to him, humanity and morality required that during these days of mourning, The US strike targeting Iran during Khamenei's final rites would hurt the feelings and sentiments of the people, as he was not just a leader of a country, but a religious leader, he added. He said the religious leadership in Jammu and Kashmir and the people condemn the US action. On not participating in Khamenei's last rites in Iran, Mirwaiz cited a delay in receiving the invitation and said he did not have the travel documents. "I couldn't go, but we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our brothers and sisters of Iran, as equals in this grief. And we pray to Allah that He elevates the status of the martyred leader," he said. Kashmir's chief preacher said the global community must look into the US aggression. "What we are seeing is a one-sided affair. The global community itself, including the leadership of the US, people from their Congress, and people from their Senate, is saying that this is aggression, that this is a unilateral action, and that it goes against international principles. "But, it is regrettable that in the intoxication of power and violence, the US is violating all international laws. Most importantly, it is violating human and moral values," he added. PTI SSB SHS