In a controversial development, the deputy mayor of Srinagar, Sheikh Mohammad Imran has urged Kashmiris to prefix their names with ‘mujahid’ and send a message that the term is in no way related to terrorism and defeat in the elections those who have been inciting Communal passions.

I will use the prefix ”mujahid” at every place where my name will be used. We are not terrorists. ”Mujahid” is in no way related to any kind of terrorism#IamMujahid https://t.co/J5rDSPdgn9 — MUJAHID Sheikh Mohammad Imran (@imrankehwah) April 13, 2019

Defending the use of the word ‘mujahid’ which has often been worn as a badge of honour by cadres of Islamic terror outfits, deputy mayor of Srinagar said, “The media has always misrepresented Islam in the wrong way. The word ‘mujahid’ stands for one who is engaged in jihad (holy war) and a guardian who strikes the evil and upholds truthfulness. Every Muslim should be a ‘mujahid’ and there is no harm in using this prefix. Jihad is a spiritual fight against the enemy.”

Referring to the campaign initiated by PM Modi and his leaders prefixing their name with Chowkidar, Imran said that he has no problems with it and he can ask his people to prefix ‘mujahid’ before their names. Imran also said that he has already added ‘mujahid’ prefix to his name on Twitter, Facebook and other social media accounts and he egged on fellow Kashmiris to follow him.

Imran claimed that ‘mujahid’ has always been taken in a negative way by the media. He also asserted that ‘Mujahid’ means a warrior who wages a spiritual fight of Jihad against the enemy. However, it is worth considering that according to the Islamic doctrine cited by Islamic terror outfits, a ‘mujahid’ is a suicide killer who gets killed in the process of inflicting maximum casualties on the enemies. Imran seems to be normalising the activities carried out by ‘mujahids’ and his exhortations might push more youths into the fold of radicalism.

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In February 2019, a terrorist belonging to Jaish-e-Muhammad terror outfit rammed an SUV laden with explosive in one of the vehicles of the CRPF convoy, killing 40 CRPF personnel. Many in Kashmir, including Pakistan based terror groups, hailed him as ‘mujahid’ following the attack.