Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Sept 7: National Conference President and former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah today said Dargah Hazratbal belongs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who will not tolerate anything against their faith.
Commenting on the controversy over the installation of the national emblem at the shrine, Abdullah said the move had hurt public sentiments.
“They committed a mistake by installing the board, which irritated people. They should know that people will not accept such acts,” he told reporters.
He stressed that what happened at Hazratbal was “wrong” and the plaque should never have been installed there. Click here to watch video
The NC president emphasized that the Dargah was built entirely through public contributions, recalling how people across Jammu and Kashmir donated whatever they could afford.
“My father, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, along with the people of J&K, constructed the Dargah with money collected from the public, down to the last penny,” he said.
Sharing an anecdote, Abdullah recalled: “At Habba Kadal, a woman, despite having nothing else, offered her only utensil as a donation. My father initially refused, but she insisted, saying it was not for him but for the Prophet’s (PBUH) sake.”
He added that the Hazratbal shrine was built through the sacrifices of ordinary people, “not through anyone’s favour,” noting that even Sher-e-Kashmir never attached his name to it.
On the broader situation, Abdullah said faith would help people endure hardships.
“The big thing is that our faith is strong and we know how to endure and be patient. I am hopeful that everything for us will be set right,” he remarked.
He also expressed anguish over the situation in Gaza, accusing Israel of killing thousands while Arab countries remain silent. “What is happening in Gaza is tragic. Israel is killing thousands there, but no Arab country is speaking about it or extending any help. They are acting as mute spectators as people are being killed,” he said.
Praying for relief, Abdullah added: “God should end their hardships and have mercy on Muslims, who are suffering everywhere in the world.”
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