New Delhi: In a bid to counter the propaganda against madrassas (Islamic religious institutes), former chairman of Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umer Farooq has formed Mutahida-Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) to protest the alleged systemic attack on the Muslim schools and organisations.

The conglomerate, which has so far managed nearly 60 organisations from Jammu and Kashmir, would counter the campaign launched by parties like Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Umer, who is in the capital, said.

"This move is to counter the fundamentalist forces which are hell-bent on demolishing not only the religious but also the brotherhood fabric of Islam," he said.

Accusing the government of coming under the pressure of such forces, the Mirwaiz said, "Unfortunately, those at the helm of affairs, are turning a blind eye towards the sustained campaign by groups like VHP and RSS. As a result, the institutes promoting brotherhood and love continue to be a target of their whims and fancies."

The former Hurriyat Chairman wondered whether the secular credentials of the country were still "intact" after groups like VHP had tampered with it and blown it to pieces.

He said the MMU would try to preserve the Muslim face of Jammu and Kashmir and also work for protection of Kashmiriyat in the state.

"Soon, we will approach groups in Kargil, Leh, Doda and Kishtawar to further strengthen the conglomerate," the Mirwaiz added.

PTI