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| ‘Happenings in Pak a grave concern for us’ | | Religious fundamentalism is self destructive: Governor | | Budgam | Nov 3
Observing that religious fundamentalism could be self-destructive, Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today said ‘we have to learn a lesson from happenings in Pakistan.
Speaking at a function held to commemorate the martyrdom of Major Som Nath Sharma here this afternoon, the Governor expressed concern over the spate of violence and political instability in Pakistan, saying ‘this is a matter of grave concern for us all’
He hoped that Pakistan would soon emerge from the prevailing crisis and peace and prosperity will dawn there. A stable and crisis-free Pakistan is imperative for peace in the whole region. He referred to the militancy in Kashmir and said that the inherent spirit of religious harmony and great Sufi heritage known as Kashmiryat held key to peace in the Valley. This has been a useful weapon to fight elements inimical to peace, he said, adding “Let the philosophy of Kashmiryat transcend the borders and spread peace and love not only in Pakistan but in the whole world’.
The Governor paid rich homage to Major Som Nath Sharma who led the troops to save the Srinagar Airport from raiders in 1947 and offered supreme sacrifice. But for his timely action, Srinagar would have fallen to met the fate of Baramulla. In such a scenario, mere thought of what could have happened to the people of the City is horrifying. He said the buzzing 140000 strong town of Baramulla was left devastated and deserted with almost every house grounded. He referred to the book of Pakistani General Akbar Khan in which he admits that the population of .be this historic town had thinned to just 3000. ‘If Srinagar would have fallen to raiders, the number of causalities would have been far higher than in Baramulla.’ he said.
General Sinha referred to the prejudiced and exaggerated statements being made by some responsible people accusing the Indian Army of having perpetrated atrocities on civilians in 1947. ‘These are just white lies’, he said adding that the Indian Army came to save the people from barbaric raiders that has even been acknowledged by the European media of that time and those who witnessed the Baramulla holocaust in October 1947. ‘The veteran and senior leader, Ghulam Rasool Kar in a message from his hospital bed read out at a function at Baramulla on October 27 recounted the horrifying brutalities of raiders, who left many dead and women dishonoured’, he maintained.
Those spreading canards against the Indian Army could not even hesitate to dub Shaheed Maqbool Sherwani as a traitor, the Governor said while paying homage to this great patriot who happily embraced death while being crucified by raiders and kept saying ‘Hindu Muslim Sikh Itehad Zindabad’.
General Sinha said that Kashmir’s glorious pluralistic heritage has withstood the test of times and the people have kept aloft the flag of amity and brotherhood against odds and in difficult situations. He said his head bows in this holy township where Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, known as Nund Reshi, spread the message of peace, love and brotherhood, which is most relevant in this era of hatred and intolerance.
Rich tributes were paid to Maj Som Nath Sharma by Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Khwaja Farooq Renzu, Professor Nissar Ali, Professor Mehmood, Engineer Nazir Ahmed Yatoo and Maulvi Maqbool, Imam, Jamia Masjid Sitaharan, Beerwah. |
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