“PoK will return to India soon”: AIIO chief Umer Ahmed Ilyasi
Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation, said on Friday that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant changes since the abrogation of Article 370, describing the region as a model for the rest of the country.
Speaking to the media in Srinagar, he credited Amit Shah and Narendra Modi for driving these changes. He remarked that people who were once involved in stone-pelting are now focusing on education, and noted that tourism is witnessing growth despite a temporary setback following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Ilyasi said that Jammu and Kashmir is now safe for visitors and encouraged people to travel to the region. He added that tourism has picked up pace and the region is steadily progressing.
He also praised Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, for her work, stating that her efforts have contributed to positive changes and helped make the region an example for others.
On Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Ilyasi said he believes it will eventually be integrated with Jammu and Kashmir. He claimed that people in PoK are observing the development in the region and wish to join India, adding that this would happen in due course. He also issued a caution to Pakistan.
Addressing global conflicts, he said that war is harmful for everyone and expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi could play a role in promoting peace.
Ilyasi represents a large body of Imams across the country and is known for advocating interfaith dialogue and a “Nation First” approach.
