Anantnag, Sept 07: National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Sunday said Hazratbal and other shrines in Kashmir were built with the contributions of the people, not by anyone’s kindness.
During his visit to Anantnag for a condolence meet, he said that when Hazratbal was constructed, no board was erected and no name was inscribed.
“Sher-e-Kashmir (Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah) didn’t put his name there because it was in the name of Allah and His Prophet (SAW),” he said, adding that the Waqf Board made a mistake by installing a plaque at the shrine, something the people did not approve of.
“They should not have done it. People said this is wrong. They should not do such a thing,” he said. “Kashmiris value peace.”
The former Chief Minister said Hazratbal and other shrines belong to the people, adding that every penny was collected from ordinary Kashmiris.
Dr Abdullah recalled how his father, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, raised contributions from people across Srinagar. At Habba Kadal, a woman offered a kitchen utensil as her only possession. “She told my father, I am giving it to the Dargah of the Prophet (SAW). If you do not take it, you will have to face Allah. So my father accepted it,” he said.
The NC chief prayed for peace and stability in the region, expressing hope that Kashmir would be protected from floods and natural calamities.
Turning to global issues, he voiced grief over the killings in Gaza. “Hundreds are being killed by Israel, and I don’t hear a single word from Arab countries about the atrocities,” he said. “Allah’s mercy eases the suffering of Gazans and gives strength to Muslims facing misery across the world.”
Dr Farooq was in Anantnag to offer condolences to the bereaved family of Advocate Mushtaq Ahmad Sathoo, who lost his life in a tragic road accident near Alsarwat School, KP Road, Anantnag.
