Mowlavi Abdolhamid: Extremism Does Not Work in Balochistan; Kidnappings Have Reached an Unprecedented Level
Shiwar News – Mowlavi Abdolhamid Esmailzehi, the Sunni Friday prayer leader of Zahedan, on Friday, 23 Mordad 1405, responded during his Friday sermon to recent remarks by Mostafa Mahami, Ali Khamenei’s representative in Balochistan. He stressed the need to avoid extremism and to appoint officials who are “far-sighted and familiar with the culture of the region,” while also warning about an unprecedented rise in kidnappings, road blockades and extortion in the region.
Regarding Mahami’s recent remarks, Mowlavi Abdolhamid said he would leave judgment of those statements to “God and the people” and that he did not consider it appropriate to use the Friday prayer platform to respond to personal matters. He also thanked the public, religious scholars, community elders, academics and other sections of society for what he described as their “fair judgment,” adding that he would wait for the decision of central government officials regarding the recent issues.
In another part of his remarks, the Friday prayer leader of Zahedan stressed that “extremism has not worked in the province or the country, and it will not work.” Referring to Balochistan’s ethnic and religious diversity and the close relations between Shia and Sunni communities, he said that what can help address the region’s problems is “moderation, wisdom, restraint, foresight and respect for the people.”
He also stressed that officials appointed to administer the province should be familiar with the culture and circumstances of the region and should refrain from placing “unnecessary pressure” on the people.
Mowlavi Abdolhamid then addressed the increase in kidnappings, road blockades, armed robberies, extortion and the torture of hostages in Balochistan, describing the current level of kidnapping as “unprecedented in the history of the region.” He called on the authorities to use legal means to pursue and arrest those responsible for these acts and urged religious scholars and community elders not to provide any form of support to kidnappers.
Stating that “anyone who supports a kidnapper has betrayed both religion and the nation,” he said that if individuals involved in kidnapping, highway robbery or armed robbery die, he would not attend their funeral prayers, and he urged other religious scholars and members of the public to take the same position.
Mowlavi Abdolhamid also stressed that ensuring security is the responsibility of the authorities and that all sections of society should work to preserve security and prevent the further spread of insecurity in the region.