Srinagar, Aug 16: National Conference (NC) spokesperson Ifra Jan is facing sharp criticism on social media following a Facebook post that many believe was directed at Islamic scholar Aga Syed Hadi.
The controversy began after Ifra posted: “Aaj kal market mein mazhab ke bahut sare siyasi dukandar aagaye hain. Bechne ke liye kuch mila nahi to apna Imaan hi bech diya.” (These days, the market is full of political traders of religion. When they had nothing else to sell, they sold their own faith).
The remark came hours after Aga Syed Hadi criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Independence Day speech at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium, calling it an act of political helplessness and accusing him of doublespeak.
Although Ifra didn’t name anyone directly, the timing and tone of her post led many to interpret it as an indirect swipe at the scholar.
A local news portal added fuel to the fire by posting her quote alongside pictures of both her and Aga Syed Hadi, which quickly went viral.
The reaction on social media was swift and intense. Many accused Ifra of targeting a respected religious voice, while ignoring criticism her own party faces.
One user commented: “He echoed what every Kashmiri feels. We know you’re the party’s spokesperson, but that doesn’t mean you turn deaf, mute, and blind. If there’s any conscience left, reflect.”
Another user wrote: “he was correct word by word that is what is bothering you. “Kashmiris had choice between bad and worst” we choose bad to give you chance to become good, but you could not even solve the promised reservation issue.”
