Acceptance to Islam or else Death Sentence ya Expel…
Initially, the entire brigade involved in proselytism, performed it under the facade of liberalism of views but that was not the sole aim perceived by the Sayyeds. They had travelled all the way from Humdaan and Turkistaan, with the goal of Islamization. Very soon, their masks consisting of Tolerance and Generosity, were thrown off and Sultan Sikander indulged in enforcement of Conversion, adapting various legerdemain.
With consistent efforts by Sayyed Ali Humdaani, an entire generation of Kashmiri Muslims, was created. These newly created pedigree, not only helped the outlander evangelists but also contributed massively in the imposition of religious conversion process.
The new breed of converts did not leave a stone unturned in demolishing the Maths and Temples built by their very own forefathers. They vehemently devastated the ancient beliefs and reputed the schematic credence, with exceeding zeal. This uncanny zest by our own Kashmiri converts has created a blot on the heroic history of Kashmir.
In 1393, Sayyed Mohammad Humdaani, son of Sayyed Ali Humdaani, reached Kashmir with his 300 followers, to fulfil the undone work of his father.
Kashmir then, was under the regime of tyrannical Sikander ‘Butshikan’, who was blinded in bigotry. He welcomed Mohammad Humdaani and bestowed upon him honourable political posts as well as granted him supremacy over three regions – Vanshi, Tral and Nunavani, where he could reside along with his troupe of disciples and independently pitch for his Islamization activities. He was granted required administrative aids to operate smoothly.
Mohammad Humdaani built a massive ‘Khaankaah’ (religious center) near his father’s Memorial, ‘Jiyarat Shahmdaan’ at State’ expense. Sultan Sikandar ‘Butshikan” honoured Sayyed Mohammad Humdaani as his friend, philosopher and guide.
Jonraaj, in Rajtarangini has described this period, “The king, would stand with folded hands like a Sewak, waiting for Sayyed and embrace education from him like a student and gaze at him like slave.”
After getting outright endorsement from Sultan Sikander, Mohammad Humdaani began the despotic conversion of Hindus. The dream which had remained unfulfilled of his father, Mohammad Humdaani accomplished it, with the help of Sikander.
The reign of Sultan Sikandar (1389 – 1413 CE), was the darkest one for the Hindus in the annals of Kashmir. History does not often record tragedies as poignant as that of Kashmiri Hindus during that period.
Suha Bhatt, Sultan Sikander’s Chief Minister played a pivotal role in this blood stained movement.
Kashmir, the Garden of Paradise, was chilled by the cold blasts of communal ferocity, most of the Hindus were forcibly converted to Islam, many of them flee to other parts of Bharat and many were left to live with assassins lurking in every corner. The arch villain of the whole tragedy was the chief minister and commander-in-chief, named Suha Bhatt, a recent convert to Islam. The heady wine of Communalism, served by the Sayyeds to him, so intoxicated him that he was driven into a frenzy of religious persecution of the Hindus.
“Suha Bhatt’s zeal in the persecution of Hindus is perhaps unparalleled in the history of religious turncoats,” says Dr.R K Parimu.
Suha Bhatt was of Hindu origins but unfortunately his patriotic pride was overpowered by greed for power.
Mohammad Humdaani’s insistence and Sultan Sikander’s threat on his life, compelled Suha Bhatt to adapt to Islam.
Suha Bhatt was Christened as “Saif-U-Din” and he led the army of new converts to create “Hindu Mukta Kashmir”.
The renegade Saif-U-Din exhibited his incandescence by attacking with Sword on Hindus. The Hindus, who remained committed to their own religious conviction and refused to budge, were victimized. The holy books of Hinduism were thrown in Dal Lake. The pious ‘Janoi’ of Kashmiri Pundits, who were brutally murdered, was burnt to ashes.
In order to continue such terror, Sultan Sikandar launched an organisation named “Shaikh-Ud-Islam” with Saif-U-Din’s help.
Islamic historian Hassan has noted in “History of Kashmir”-
“Sikander throttled the Hindus to the core. He promulgated in the region, that those who refuse to convert to Islam, would have to face banishment or be prepared to be killed!!! As the result, innumerable Hindus went absconding and many accepted to be converted to Islam. Numerous Brahmins sacrificed their lives.
It is believed that Sikander had collected 3 khibaar (6 mun) pious Janoi and threw them in fire. Hazrat Amir Kabeer witnessed these massacres with his own eyes. He explained to Sikander, that it would be better to charge Hindus with Jazia tax than killing them ruthlessly. He collected all the holy books of Hinduism and threw them in the Daal Lake and it was smashed beneath the earth.
Sources of Reference :
हमारी भूलोका स्मारक : धर्मांतरित कश्मीर
नरेन्द्र सहगल
The Rich Heritage of Jammu and Kashmir
Prof. Somnath Wakhlu
My Frozen Turbulence in Kashmir
Jagmohan ji
Madhvi Bhuta is the National Executive of BJP Mahila Morcha and a Columnist on various Forums.