National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday felicitated the people on the occasion of the 803rd Urs-e-Mubarak of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti (RA) and prayed for peace and amity between India and Pakistan on this occasion. Dr. Farooq Abdullah also prayed for communal harmony and amity within all communities of the country and said Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti's everlasting message of amity and compassion between different faiths was a timeless legacy that should be emulated and followed in letter and spirit today.
"Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti (RA) gave a definite turn to the Sufi narrative of Islamic faith in the sub-continent and played a pivotal role in spreading the message of Islam in the sub-continent. Inspired by the early Sufi saints and Awliya, notably Khwaja Usman Harooni (RA), Khawaja Moinuddin Chisti (RA) focused on loving devotion to Allah, discipline of the individual soul and brotherhood of mankind. Consequently, his mystical mission fostered amicable understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims in the country. At a time when India was struggling to rise above the differentiation of cast and creed, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti (RA)'s message of equality (Masawat) and amity helped foster and atmosphere of communal harmony in the country", Dr. Farooq Abdullah said in his message.
"On the occasion of the 803rd Urs-e-Mubarak of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti (RA), I pray for the flood-victims who have lost their homes and whose businesses have suffered unimaginable damage in the deluge that hit the State last September. They have shown great resilience and courage and I hope the PDP-BJP Government rises to the occasion and meets its promises of a comprehensive and dignified compensation to the flood victims. There has already been a considerable delay and it saddens me that most of the flood victims continue to be helpless. On the occasion of this holy day, I pray for their welfare and prosperity", Dr. Farooq Abdullah said.
Lauding the fact that various dignitaries including the US President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent special Chaddars to be offered at the Dargah-e-Mubarak in Ajmer on the 803rd Urs-e-Mubarak of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti (RA), Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that it was heartening that a delegation from neighboring Pakistan had also arrived in Ajmer on the occasion of the Urs-e-Mubarak. "Around more than 400 Zayreens (Pilgrims) are camping in Ajmer Sharief for the annual Urs and these are opportunities to re-ignite the peace process between New Delhi and Islamabad. The Pakistan delegation has come to Ajmer after a gap of two years and has offered a Chaddar at the Dargah on behalf of the Pakistan Government. This is a very welcome step and I pray that both countries resolve all their differences and usher the sub-continent into an era of peace and brotherhood - which would be a fitting tribute to Khwaja Garib Nawaz (RA)", the NC President said in his message.
"There is no alternative to engagement and cooperation. The people of Kashmir are the worst victims of hostility between India and Pakistan and also the biggest beneficiaries of lasting and sustained peace between New Delhi and Islamabad. National Conference has been the strongest advocate of dialogue and engagement between India and Pakistan and will continue to encourage better ties between the two countries", Dr. Farooq Abdullah said in his message. (GNS)