"In the so-called Jammu and Kashmir Assembly where the legislators claim to be the representatives of the people, (they) actually work to further the agenda of Delhi while completely ignoring the rights and interests of the people of Kashmir," the Mirwaiz, who is also the chief priest of Kashmir, said addressing a gathering at Aali Masjid in old city here.
Mehbooba had yesterday accused the clergy of Kashmir of raising controversial issues like Article 370 of the Constitution giving special powers to Jammu and Kashmir, in their sermons, and said this could destablise the state.
Referring to Mehbooba's statement, he said the people who give such statements were either "unaware" of the ground realities in the state or were not able to look into the "realities due to their arrogance of power".
"These people talk of representing the masses, while in reality they have sold the resources of the people like water, power projects, forests and other natural resources for fulfilling their own selfish interests," he said.
The Mirwaiz said it was the religious institutions and leadership that came forward at that time of crisis and helped the flood-hit people.
Mehbooba had yesterday told the Assembly, "I am surprised that (Muslim) preachers talk so big about Article 370 (in their sermons). What is Article 370? It is of significance only if we are at peace."
(Reopens NRG 17)
In a separate statement, hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani expressed "deep concern" over the pronouncement of death sentence to Rather.
Geelani said the death sentence was "mockery of justice" and people of Jammu and Kashmir never "reposed faith in Indian judiciary" as they have witnessed how "these institutions were influenced in (Parliament attack convict) Afzal Guru's case.
Guru, a resident of Sopore township of north Kashmir, was hanged in Delhi's Tihar jail on February 9, 2013.
You’ve reached your limit of 5 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app