The recent incident in Waripora Kunzar Tangmarg, Baramulla, where a psychologically unwell man attempted to construct a replica of the Kaaba and invited people to perform Umrah there, sparked widespread outrage across Kashmir. In addition to making false religious claims, he also likened himself to the revered Kashmiri saint Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA). The public backlash prompted authorities to demolish the structure and arrest the individual.

This episode raises several critical concerns. It highlights the issue of religious gullibility, the media’s role in sensationalizing sensitive matters for social media traction, and the shifting perception of Hajj and Umrah—from deeply spiritual acts to symbols of affluence and status. These aspects warrant thoughtful reflection and discourse.

Religious Gullibility

Kashmir has a rich history of spiritual reverence, with countless people devoted to saints and Sufis who played a major role in shaping the region’s religious consciousness. However, this deep-rooted faith sometimes borders on gullibility, allowing fraudulent individuals to exploit religious sentiments. The Waripora Kunzar incident is a prime example of how quickly some people can start following an mentally distressed individual without questioning his legitimacy.

In recent years, self-anointed “peers” have proliferated across Kashmir, claiming esoteric knowledge and divine ordination, amassing significant wealth, influence, and followership by preying on religious sentiments. The unsettling ease with which many Kashmiris deify such individuals—blindly accepting them as Wali-A-Khuda (friends of God)—reflects a disconcerting trend.

Even in this instance, despite the man’s overt mental disorders and the absurdity of his........

© Kashmir Observer