No group has maligned the image of Islam than the radical terrorist outfit ISIS which is witnessing much rise with each passing day and continues to inspire extremists across the world. The ISIS which is an acronym of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria hasn’t now confined its activities to the Middle East but is spread like wild fire. It has, as per reports, also gained foothold in India and the worst and unfortunate part is that its few supporters in Old City of Kashmir region have seen hoisting ISIS flag. The move however wasn’t well received by people who already have been made aware by scholars about the group’s terrorist and anti-Islam ideology even though the outfit boasts of being the caretaker of the issues faced by Muslims the world over. The non-violent and Sufi culture is running into the veins of Kashmiris and it is impossible to create bait for them. The waving of ISIS flags by a handful of youth on Fridays shouldn’t be taken as a characteristic of the whole population as the people of Valley have already vented out their anger against the so-called Islamic group and have denounced it in strong terms. It is to our utmost satisfaction that our religious scholars have taken a clear stand against the terror outfit which has committed acts that are completely against the spirit of Islam and its universal message of peace. The matter of concern is that the terrorist ideology may take heavy toll on our new generation if left undefeated and, as such, the security agencies should leave no stone unturned in nipping the outfit in the bud. Our religious leaders and scholars are also duty bound to create mass awareness among people and make efforts to bring those following the radical ideology back to roots lest it becomes too late. The propagation of true image (of peace) of Islam is the need of the hour; therein lies our salvation and remedy to the imbroglio and the web of uncertainties we are caught in.
