Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Apr 19: Asking Pakistan to stop exporting violence, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that separatism and terrorism have no future in J&K.
Talking to reporters after addressing a Sufi Conference “Noor-e-Sama” here, LG Sinha said, “It (Pakistan) is struggling with its internal problems. It is not even able to take care of civil rights. It should stop exporting terrorism.”
He extended his felicitations to the Sufi Scholars, members of Sufi Score Limited, Save Youth Save Future Foundation and everyone associated with organizing a Sufi Conference “Noor-e-Sama” in Srinagar.
He said that “conflict entrepreneurs” won’t be allowed to raise their heads again in Jammu and Kashmir again. “The conflict entrepreneurs joined hands with our neighbour three decades ago and promoted terrorism and hatred for their own benefits. Their hands are smeared with the blood of innocents.”
LG Sinha said, “These conflict entrepreneurs were running a big business of terror and violence and had turned people of Kashmir into cannon fodder.”
He said that during the past few years security forces have worked hard to wipe out terror and conflict entrepreneurs from the scene. “Some conflict entrepreneurs are again trying to raise their head. I assure everyone that they won’t be allowed to succeed in their nefarious designs. They will be crushed.” he added.
LG Sinha, asked people to ensure that the “conflict profiteers” are ousted from the society and they should be punished for “corroborating with the enemies.” “I urge the people, especially the young generation to identify and isolate the divisive elements and ensure that such conflict profiteers have no place in the society,” he said.
“I am happy that youth of Jammu and Kashmir have understood the conspiracies that were hatched against the people by the neighbouring country and by these conflict profiteers. Youth have rejected them and are giving them a befitting reply,” LG Sinha said.
Terming Sufism as the most powerful force for peace and harmony in society, LG Sinha said, “Sufism means a way of life. It is a bond of love with the whole and a loving relationship with God. Sufism is the ultimate art of removing divisions and bringing hearts closer.”
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the ultimate aim of Sufism is to foster the awakening in the society and promote compassion and interconnectedness. “Sufism emphasises inner purification, love, and deep relationship with the divine. The journey on this path has the potential to unite people across backgrounds,” he said.
He called for connecting the youth influencers with the campaign to propagate Sufism and establishing a mentorship program where Sufi scholars guide young people, the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor spoke on the influence of Sufism in bridging social divides, and promoting peace and harmony within the communities. “Since many centuries Sufism has acted as a bulwark against extremist ideology and Sufism’s narrative has been popular in countering extremist propaganda,” he added.
“Sufi teachings completely reject any kind of violence, and discrimination. The Sufi teaching is a counterforce to extremist ideology and its mystical traditions through poetry, music and other creative expressions will strengthen counter-radicalisation efforts,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha also recalled the invaluable contribution of saints from Jammu Kashmir in strengthening the bond of love, brotherhood, unity and harmony.
The Lieutenant Governor also emphasized on a multi-pronged strategy to promote Sufi literature and Sufi education, and make Sufism popular among the youth to counter radical ideology. Sufi teachings, music, poetry should be conveyed to the youth through videos, podcasts and social media campaigns, he added.
Captivating performances by the Sufi Artists celebrating Jammu Kashmir’s rich Sufi culture and traditions, remained one of the highlights of the event.
Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Judge, Supreme Court of India; Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; Rajiv Agarwal from Sufi Score Limited; Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation, senior officials, Sufi scholars, members of Sufi Score and Save Youth Save Future Foundation, and people from all walks of life were present.
