Thousands of people joined the special night-long prayers on the occasion of Shab-i-Meraj across the Kashmir valley and Ladakh region.Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Director General of Police (DGP) S P Vaid and GoC 15 Corps Lt General A K Bhatt besides National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah and working president Omar Abdullah greeted people on the occasion.The Meraj-un-Nabi was celebrated with religious fervor and gaiety across the Kashmir valley and Ladakh region, where people joined night-long special prayers in shrines, mosques, Jamia masjids and other religious places despite cold.The main congregation was held at Hazratbal shrine on the bank of famed Dal Lake, housing the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad. Thousands of people, including women and children, joined the night-long prayers. The devotees had “Deedar” (glimpse) of Holy Relic after “ Fajr”( morning) prayers. The devotees will have the glimpse of the Holy Relic after every prayers during the day.The authorities had made all arrangements, including electricity, water, medical and security for the devotees at the shrine. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, visited the shrine yesterday and reviewed the security arrangements in and around there. A number of organizations have also set up stalls for the devotees.
Large number of vendors had also set up their stalls, selling eatables and other articles.Similar congregations were organized at Jenab Sahib Soura, Shahree Kailashpora, Pinjoora and other shrines, mosques, Jamia masjids and religious places.In his message of felicitations the Governor expressed hope that the celebration of this auspicious occasion would further strengthen the bonds of amity, harmony and brotherhood among all communities and be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the State.In her message, the Chief Minister said the night of Me’raj is a sacred occasion to seek divine blessings and forgiveness from Almighty Allah. She appealed the people to bow before God on the special night and specially seek an end to bloodshed, violence and acrimony in the State and elsewhere.Making a special prayer, Mehbooba Mufti hoped that the blessed night brings along peace, prosperity and happiness to the people of the State.The DGP also greeted people, particularly the muslim community on the eve of Shah-i-Meraj. A police spokesman on official twitter account of Jammu and Kashmir police said, “The DGP @spvaid has greeted people particularly the Muslim community on the eve of Sahab-I-Mehraj. DGP has extended greetings to families of martys, SF and Police personnel their families and wished happiness peace and prosperity to all people on this occasion”.A Defence Ministry spokesman on official twitter account of Chinar Corps said “ #ChinarCorpsCdr felicitates the people of the State on the auspicious occasion of Me’raj-un-Nabi & hopes that the blessed night brings along #peace, #prosperity & #happiness for the #Awaam of J&K.@adgpi @NorthernComd_IA.' (PTK)