Farooq Abdullah Celebrates Religious Festivals, Advocates for Unity in Kashmir
Farooq Abdullah, leader of the National Conference, celebrated the Kheer Bhawani Mela and the Urs of Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, highlighting their significance for communal harmony in Kashmir. He stressed the need for unity to foster national progress and expressed concern over the decline in pilgrimage numbers due to recent violence. Abdullah encouraged visits to the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple and addressed the negative impact of terrorism on tourism and local economies, advocating for peace and an end to violence in the region.
| Jun 3, 2025, 14:04 IST
Farooq Abdullah's Call for Communal Harmony
On Tuesday, Farooq Abdullah, the leader of the National Conference, expressed his support for the celebrations of the Kheer Bhawani Mela and the Urs of Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamadani, describing them as symbols of communal harmony in Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of unity for national progress. Speaking to a news outlet, Abdullah remarked on the joy of celebrating both events today, highlighting the enduring brotherhood in the valley. He expressed a desire to see this spirit of unity reflected across the country, stating that togetherness is key to achieving progress.
Significance of Kheer Bhawani Mela
The Kheer Bhawani Mela is a significant annual religious festival for the Kashmiri Pandit community, held at the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulla Mulla village of Ganderbal district. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in her form as Devi Ragnya and is regarded as one of the holiest sites for Kashmiri Hindus. Abdullah expressed concern over the decline in the number of pilgrims following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, urging devotees to visit the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra.
Encouragement for Pilgrimage
Abdullah stated that it is essential for people to visit Mata Vaishno Devi and encouraged others to do the same, noting a decrease in visitors to the temple. He attributed this decline to fear stemming from recent violence, particularly the tragic events in Pahalgam, which have had a nationwide impact. Previously, he had urged tourists to return to Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the region seeks peace rather than violence.
Impact of Terrorism on Tourism
During his conversation in Pahalgam, Abdullah expressed concern about the adverse effects of terrorist attacks on tourism and local livelihoods, especially with the annual Amarnath Yatra approaching. He mentioned that the Prime Minister has sent delegations to various countries to convey a message of peace, asserting that the killing of innocent people must cease. He highlighted the economic damage caused by the brutal attack on April 22, particularly in Pahalgam.