'Peace march' acts like a balm: curfew relaxed in Kashmir

05 December, 2012

People were seen buying essential commodities from the market after curfew was relaxed in some areas, seven days after it was imposed in old Srinagar city following the minor clashes between a group of youths from Sunni and Shia sects. The relaxation comes after a peace march was organised by moderate faction of separatist Hurriyat conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

ALTHOUGH SECTARIAN clashes are rare in Kashmir, but on last Wednesday minor clashes were reported between youth from Shia and Sunni communities in old Srinagar city. Police intervened to control the situation and imposed curfew in nine police stations in areas that are home to both the religious sects.

The city administration of Srinagar, summer capital city of Jammu & Kashmir made the wise decision of imposing curfew in the affected areas of the old city. The stern step helped the authorities restore law and order, albeit temporarily.

After the demise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 632 AD, the question of succession led to a largescale violence among the believers of Islam and the result; two major sects i.e Sunnis and Shias were formed.

Praise be to the Almighty that a group of men from both communities decided to promote peace in the city. After a meeting held by moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a delegation led by separatist Shia leader Masroor Abbas Ansari marched through streets of Zadibal and other affected areas. To nip the riotous situation and resultant trouble in the bud, wise men took this sagacious step.

May I suggest that this Peace March should not be a one-time affair but a continual feature of the capital city until perfect peace prevails in people's hearts and minds.

The PR department of the J&K govt should have persuaded some ladies to join in to lend female weight to the peace march. This may please be kept in mind for future.

It is pertinent to mention that hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani has also called for a peace march in the old city today.

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COMMENTS (1)

Guest

Dr. Ratan Bhattacharjee

Kashmir people should save themselves from the terrorists and peace is not be imposed from outside. The truth is Kashmir cannot go any more to Pakistan. It is not a Paradise on earth and Kashimiris know it better than all. India has given special status to Kashmir. Now they should try themselves to remove terrorism from their land.