Srinagar: J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone has expressed strong disapproval of a recent court order permitting the survey of most revered Sufi shrine, Ajmer Sharif, in search of remnants of an ancient Hindu temple.
In an official statement, Lone criticized the misplaced priorities and growing regression in Indian society. “Yet another shocker,” he remarked, referring to the suit seeking a temple “supposedly hidden somewhere in the Ajmer Dargah Sharif.”
He emphasized that as 2024 approaches, marking the dawn of the Artificial Intelligence era, society has regrettably chosen the path of regression.
“And as Indians, let us be honest — we have not contributed to any technological revolution. Yes, we have the resources to make use of them by buying, but scientific innovation? No. None. Not even remotely,” he lamented.
Lone further expressed concern that the nation’s focus appears entirely consumed by an obsession with uncovering hidden temples. “And make no mistakes, a statistically significant section of the population is applauding it,” he said.
“And yes, the more educated, the more temple-searchers they tend to be. Those educated ones who should have been at the forefront of heralding the Indian tech revolution are busy mythologizing,” he added.
Reflecting on a recent visit to Dubai, Lone praised the UAE’s spirit of tolerance and evolution.
“I was recently in Dubai and saw the magnificence of the temples built there. What an oasis of tolerance and mutual respect Dubai has become. Every nationality lives there in an orderly manner. I was in Dubai in the late nineties — what an evolution. They truly deserve to be proud of their transformation into excellence,” he said.
Disheartened by the regression back home, Lone remarked, “Looking back at my own country… How we have regressed. The electoral victories have come at a cost, which have left this country soulless. This country, once defined by its soulfulness, is tragically now soulless and in search of a soul,” he added.
He emphasized that Ajmer’s spiritual and inclusive legacy represents spirituality at its finest, serving as a destination where people of all faiths converge, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed, with a unique belief in the spiritual deliverance offered by this great seat of spirituality.
Turning to Kashmir’s ideological struggles, he noted that clear demarcations existed between moderate ideology and extremism, even within the separatist camp.
“Thousands of lives were lost in the battle between moderates and extremists. Yet the moderates did not surrender. And moderates, inshallah, will never surrender,” he said.
In conclusion, Lone reiterated his faith in the enduring power of tolerance and mutual respect: “The ideology of moderation, tolerance, and mutual respect will prevail.”
