Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday pledged that “masters of terror” and “conflict entrepreneurs” will not be allowed to raise their heads again.
Addressing the Sufi Conference “Noor-e-Sama” at Srinagar, Sinha said that in the last five years, police, security forces and administration, with the support of the people, have succeeded to a large extent in taking J&K out of that phase, but there is still a long way to go.
“I want to say with responsibility that murdering innocents had become the biggest business for the masters of terror and conflict entrepreneurs. Conflict entrepreneurs had created a huge ecosystem around terror (in J&K),” the LG said addressing an event.
“There are still some conflict entrepreneurs who are trying to be active, but I assure you that no such person will be allowed (to reemerge). I am happy that the youths of J&K have started to understand their sinister plans,” he added.
Sinha appealed to Sufi scholars attending the event to make sure that such “conflict entrepreneurs” have no space in society.
“I also request the Sufi scholars that there is a need to make a long-term plan to make Sufism popular among the youth so that extremist ideology will not get a chance to flourish among the people,” he said.
The LG said if there is a need to make ideals of Sufism modern to achieve that, “then it is essential to work on that”.
“We have to take it (message of Sufism) to the youths through new mediums,” he added.
According to an official press release, the LG extended his felicitations to the Sufi scholars, members of Sufi Score Limited, Save Youth Save Future Foundation and everyone associated with the initiative.
“Sufism is the most powerful force for peace and harmony in society. Sufism means a way of life. It is a bond of love with the whole and a loving relationship with God. Sufism is the ultimate art of removing divisions and bringing hearts closer,” the LG said.
The LG highlighted that the ultimate aim of Sufism is to foster the awakening in the society and promote compassion and interconnectedness.
“Sufism emphasises inner purification, love, and deep relationship with the divine. The journey on this path has the potential to unite people across backgrounds,” he said.
The LG also spoke on the influence of Sufism in bridging social divides, and promoting peace and harmony within the communities.
“Since many centuries Sufism has acted as a bulwark against extremist ideology and Sufism’s narrative has been popular in countering extremist propaganda.
“Sufi teachings completely reject any kind of violence, and discrimination. The Sufi teaching is a counterforce to extremist ideology and its mystical traditions through poetry, music and other creative expressions will strengthen counter-radicalisation efforts,” the LG said.
The LG also recalled the invaluable contribution of saints from Jammu & Kashmir in strengthening the bond of love, brotherhood, unity and harmony.
Performances by the Sufi artists celebrating Jammu & Kashmir’s rich Sufi culture and traditions, remained one of the highlights of the event.
Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; Rajiv Agarwal from Sufi Score Limited; Wajahat Farooq Bhat, chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation, senior officials, Sufi scholars, members of Sufi Score and Save Youth Save Future Foundation, and people from all walks of life were present.
