Srinagar, June 14: Several prominent political leaders, including National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, CPI(M) Leader M.Y. Tarigami, BJP UT President Ravinder Raina, JDU State General Secretary Vivek Bali, and PDP’s Iltija Mufti, visited Mela Kheer Bhawani to celebrate the significant festival of the Kashmiri Pandits.
BJP UT President Ravinder Raina emphasised that Kashmiri Pandits should return to Kashmir with dignity and respect. “We are committed to ensuring that the Kashmiri Pandits can come back to their homeland with their heads held high,” he asserted.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah told reporters that this festival exemplifies the communal harmony and brotherhood that have been hallmarks of Jammu and Kashmir’s pluralistic ethos for centuries. “This festival is a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and the rich cultural tapestry of our region,” he remarked.
Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq, during his Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid Srinagar, expressed his desire for the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley. “The issue of Kashmir is complex, but the plight of Kashmiri Pandits is a humanitarian problem,” he stated. “We need the same approach that existed before; we want to set an example of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood.”
Ashok Bhan, a noted Supreme Court lawyer and Kashmiri Pandit, told “This day is very revered for Kashmiri Pandits, and people have come here in thousands today. We pray to God for our dignified return to the valley so that we can live in our own homes,” he added, “The Muslim community here has warmly welcomed with joy. We want peace in Jammu and Kashmir.”
JDU State General Secretary Vivek Bali also highlighted the festival as a symbol of Muslim brotherhood and expressed a desire for the return of Kashmiri Pandits. “This celebration is a beautiful representation of our shared heritage and the bonds of brotherhood that unite us,” Bali noted.
The Mela Kheer Bhawani festival, which draws thousands of devotees each year, has once again underscored the deep-rooted cultural and communal bonds that define Jammu and Kashmir. The collective call for the return of Kashmiri Pandits reflects a widespread desire for reconciliation and unity in the region.
Adequate health care arrangements for devotees at Tulmulla
Srinagar June 14: On the directions of Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Director Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK) Dr Mushtaq A Rather today toured Tulmulla, Ganderbal to review health care services being provided to the devotees on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani.
During the visit, he inspected all the camp sections that have been installed for providing better health care services for the devotees.
While interacting with the media he expressed that there are adequate health care facilities established and emphasised that OPD is being run 24×7 on a roster based schedule including specialists also. Apart from OPD, IPD ward has been established and round the clock critical care ambulance has been kept stationed.
All the nearby PHCs are functioning on 24×7 mode for providing better health care facilities to the devotees in case any need arises.
He also interacted with the devotees and assured them the department has ensured all possible health care services be available in a hassle free mode round the clock till the conclusion of the mela.
DHSK while appreciating the health care workers and district health care administration stressed for continuing it with utmost zeal and dedication.
CUK organizes social service camp for devotees
Ganderbal, June 14: The Directorate of Students Welfare (DSW) in association with National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) organised a social service camp for the devotees attending the Mela Kheer Bhawani here on Friday.
Hundreds of devotees including men, women and children, who had come from different corners of the Valley and other parts of the country, thronged the camp and consumed the refreshments served by the student volunteers, faculty members, DSW and NSS staff and other officials of the varsity. The devotees expressed gratitude to the CUK staffers for serving the refreshments during the day-long Mela.
In his message, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, appreciated the volunteers and other employees of the university for participating in the camp and providing refreshments to the devotees. He said the university has been conducting such camps regularly and offering its services during the annual Mela every year.
Dean DSW, Dr. Irfan Alam, Coordinator NSS, Dr. Shabir Ahmad, Medical Officer, Dr. Sheeba Nazir, faculty members, volunteers, and students were present in the camp.
