Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said the street violence in Jammu and Kashmir has ended and an era of peace has dawned in the Union Territory.
“The street violence has ended in Jammu and Kashmir. Those people are not seen anymore who were responsible for the street violence. I understand that they were victims of some people,” Sinha said, addressing a conference on Sufism — “Sufism: A Bridge Between Communities” — here.
In his address on the occasion, LG Sinha, according to an official press release, highlighted the influence of Sufism in the culture and traditions of Jammu & Kashmir.
“Harmonious relationships among all sects, individuals and relationship with the whole existence without distinction is real Sufism. It is a way of life that promotes and propagates ideals of communal harmony, love and peace among the people,” the LG observed.
“J&K is the land of Rishis and Sufis. It is the land which respects all spiritual and religious streams. Those who had created trouble in this paradise have been decimated, and supporters of terrorism and separatism have been neutralized to establish peace and harmony in the society,” the LG said.
The LG also said that some people often gave calls for a ‘bandh’ (shutdown) for their personal benefits. “Some calls were given from here and some from our neighbours. It would cause huge losses,” he said.
He said peace has come now to Jammu and Kashmir and people can venture out late at night for shopping or recreation.
“Now, people go shopping to Poloview market at 10 pm or the kids go for an ice-cream along The Bund of (river) Jhelum while some play guitar or sing a song. I think the wait of people of Srinagar and rest of Kashmir (for peace) has ended,” he said.
Sinha said development cannot happen in a disturbed area.
“When there will be peace, we can set new standards of development. There has never been, and never will be, any development in disturbed places. I want to request you all to contribute to this,” he said.
Sinha said the youth of Kashmir have started to aspire and dream again.
“They have proved themselves not only locally and nationally but at the global level as well,” he added.
Referring to the Muharram procession which was allowed Thursday here after 34 years, he said, “I am happy to tell you that today the 8th of Muharram procession was taken out after decades and concluded in Srinagar peacefully. It would be wrong to do any politics on religious events.”
Pertinently, Arif Mohammed Khan, Governor of Kerala, presided over the Sufism conference organised by Cluster University of Srinagar in collaboration with J&K Academy of Arts, Culture and Languages, the press release informed.
It said Khan, in his address, remembered the invaluable contributions of Lalla Ded, Nund Rishi, Sufis and Saints from Jammu & Kashmir in strengthening the spirit of unity and oneness.
Their teachings and writings will continue to be the beacon of light for humanity, the Khan said.
“Our ancient heritage teaches us peace, love and humanity. The people of all religions, all sects are one family. The continuity of our culture, values, traditions is the biggest power of India that empowers our great nation to flourish,” he added.
Prof. Qayyum Husain, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Srinagar gave a detailed overview of the Convention.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to LG; Padma Shri Dr SP Varma; Vice Chancellors of various universities; senior officials of UT administration; prominent citizens, students in large numbers attended the inaugural ceremony, the press release said.
