Srinagar 21 Aug: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Senior Leader and former Member of Legislative Assembly from Ganderbal Sheikh Ishfaq Ahmad on Friday said that the holy month of Muharram which also marks the first month of Islamic calendar reminds us the great sacrifice by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) for upholding the sanctity of Islam.
Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar today visited the Shia populated areas of Ganderbal which include Dab, Shallhar and several other adjoining areas.
In a statement issued here Jabbar has urged citizens to refrain from flouting standard operating procedures (SOPs) during Muharram and said the Government should put in place all the requisite arrangements and ensure the mourners are not subjected to any kind of inconvenience.
“This is a time for precaution. If God has blessed us, we need to be thankful, and wear a mask”, Jabbar said.
He urged the people to take solid steps in light of ‘Uswah-e-Shabbiri’ which ensures respect for mankind and promoting Islamic values for the development and prosperity of the society.
“Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) proved with his immortal sacrifice that whenever such a situation takes place, truth always makes a lasting success. This example of steadfastness and persistence is a guiding principle for our lives,” he said.
Emphasizing on the special arrangements that need to be made in prevailing situation that emerged due to COVID-19 pandemic; Ishfaq said that besides providing an uninterrupted water and power supply during the auspicious days, the government must ensure fumigation of all Imambaras and provide free of cost face masks and hand sanitizers to the devotees.
He stressed on setting up assistant booths in all Shia populated areas to facilitate people during the Muharram days.
He said that PDD authorities should ensure that all street lights are made fully functional. The PHE authorities should ensure that water tanks are provided at identified locations besides ensuring uninterrupted water supply. The government should also ensure that the dilapidated roads if any from where the procession would take place are repaired at the earliest. He demanded that the CAPD Department should ensure adequate supply and prompt distribution of ration, and LPG.
During his visit to these areas, several works were identified after interacting with the locals and accordingly, Ishfaq assured them that he will raise them with the administration at an earliest.
The former MLA was accompanied with Mir Mushtaq NC youth President Ganderbal, NC Block President Wakura G A Wani, Muzaffer Hussain Coordination Committee representative Dab and other workers.