KARGIL: Two influential religious bodies, wielding enormous influence on the socio-political landscape of this Himalayan region, ended their decades long rivalry following a marathon meeting in New Delhi on Friday.
Top clerics (Ulema) from Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT) and Islamia School Kargil (ISK) signed a unity accord following strenuous efforts by Hujatul Islam Mehdi Mehdavipur, representative of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei in India.
Iranian envoy in India Ghulam Reza Ansari was also present at the signing ceremony which culminated after months of painstaking efforts by some well meaning personalities who had the blessings of supreme leaders representative, sources told Kashmir Observer.
Five members from each side took part in the meeting which discussed the contentious issues between the two sides and related issues plaguing the Muslim community in Kargil, sources said.
Islamia School was led by its head Syed Jamaludn Musawi and IKMT by trust chairman Sheikh Hussain Zakiri.
According to observers the accord will have far reaching ramifications as rival groups have been used by various political parties for their electoral interests so far.
To ensure the nascent unity does not fail, the meeting decided to constitute an observer group with 3 members from each side for the duration of three years by 13th of Rajab, the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (AS). The group is tasked to remove irritants whenever required, form joint Ruet-e-Hilal committee, joint commemoration of Quds Day, anniversary of demise of Imam Khomeini, Unity Week Celebrations etc.
In case the observer group fails to resolve any issue, the matter will be taken before the representative of Vali-e-Faqih in New Delhi for resolution, the members unanimously decided, the sources said.
Congratulating the Ulema and people of Kargil on the unity accord, Agha Mehdavipur said in a statement that it is incumbent upon the faithful people of Kargil to preserve this unity for the larger public welfare and development of their area.
Meanwhile the news was welcomed by the people of Kargil.
ISK spokesperson Aga Syed Kazim Sabri welcomed the initiative and said that Islamia School will sincerely follow the agreement. He said , Its a major milestone for the united Muslim community.
IKMT Vice Chairman Maulana Abass Karrari said , We believe that the interest of the people of Kargil lies in unity. It is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Kargil to get united because many issues of our district are still pending due to our dis-unity, he said.
Talking on phone from Jammu, Ex ISK youth wing president and Chairman J&K Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali welcomed the initiative and said , I appreciate the efforts made by the representative of the supreme leader for Muslim unity in Kargil.
He further added that, Kargil has lost enough due to differences between its religious groups now the time has come to see a Green Kargil. Even I personally have many differences with IKMT but for the sake of the peoples unity I am ready to forget everything, Haji Anayat said.
Member Legislative Assembly and founder member of IKMT Asgar Ali Karbalai said, I fully support this initiative and I am very happy with it.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
