Omar visits Hazratbal, pays obeisance, offers Friday prayers

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Chairman of Muslim Wakf Board, today visited Dargah Hazratbal and inspected the spots of sanctum sanctorum which require immediate repairs. He was told about the urgent need for repairs of the shrine during meeting of Muslim Wakf Board

Srinagar, July 03: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Chairman of Muslim Wakf Board, today visited Dargah Hazratbal and inspected the spots of sanctum sanctorum which require immediate repairs. He was told about the urgent need for repairs of the shrine during meeting of Muslim Wakf Board chaired by him yesterday. In order to get firsthand appraisal of the nature of repair work, the Chief Minister had on-spot inspection today.

Abdullah directed Vice Chairman, Muslim Wakf Board, M. Y. Qadri, who was present on the occasion, to take urgent steps for ensuring completion of repairs well before onset of winter to avoid any inconvenience to the zaireens.

The Chief Minister said maintenance and upkeep of shrines, mosques and ziarats is the priority of Muslim Wakf Board and it should render service in this regard promptly. “Wakf Board should also whatever is possible to facilitate devotees and zaireens visiting these places for paying obeisance and offering prayers,” he added.

Abdullah also gave directions for accelerating beautification plan of Hazratbal surroundings. He said ambience of the shrine environs should be befitting of the great Dargah-e-Sharief.

The Chief Minister went inside the Dargah and paid obeisance. On the occasion, Dastar Bandi of the Chief Minister was done when he wore the traditional turban. He prayed for wellbeing of people of J&K and the prosperity of the State. A large number of devotees present on the occasion joined the Chief Minister in his prayers saying ‘Ameen’. Later, the Chief Minister also offered Friday prayers at Dargah, Hazratbal with the thousands of Muslims.

Earlier, on his arrival at Hazratbal, the Chief Minister was welcomed by a large number of devotees and general public. He interacted with them and enquired about the facilities put in place by the Muslim Wakf Board for zaireens, especially for Friday prayers. The people brought in the notice of Chief Minister various issues regarding upkeep and maintenance of the Dargah.

Abdullah said he has already asked the Muslim Wakf Board to render selfless service for providing adequate facilities to the zaireens at all Ziarats and mosques under management of the Board.

The Wakf Board has also been asked to prepare beautification plan for Ziarat-e-Peer Dastgeer Sahib (RA), Khanyar, and other Ziarats in the Valley besides proper rehabilitation of those whose houses are being acquired for the beautification of the surroundings of Hazratbal Shrine. (NAK)