Muslims organise langars for kanwariyas

Mahesh Sharma

Mandi Ahmedgarh, August 5

Residents of the region falling under Ludhiana and Malerkotla districts have vowed to continue spreading the message of peace rejecting recent controversial directives of the Uttar Pradesh Government regarding display of names of the vendors on the Kanwar Yatra route.

While some NGOs run by the Muslim community in the eastern state had announced to discontinue relief camps for kanwariyas this year, activists of the Muslim organisations here have announced that they would continue their philanthropic activities for all communities, including Hindus, in future too.

“We will continue organising langars, chhabeels and facilitation camps for pilgrims and jathas of kanwariyas as usual,” said Parvej Mohammad, an office-bearer of an NGO.

Mohammad Naseer, secretary, Muslim Blood Bank and Welfare Society, said the members of the outfit were upset over frequent attempts made by politicians to spread hatred among the members of various communities.

“In our organisation, we have non-Muslim members, who have been donating blood for all, including Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims on SOS calls,” said Naseer.

Aman Afridi, a municipal councillor, said people should not encourage any politician or political group to disrupt communal harmony. “Now, when the members of all communities of the region have started coming closer and celebrating all religious festivals together, we should join hands to reject sinister designs of those who intend to exploit our religious sentiments for their politics,” said Afridi.

Deepak Sharma, organiser of 20th Mata Naina Devi Pedal Yatra, said “While we have been organising Iftar parties for our Muslim brothers, they have been playing an active role in organising our festivals, including Shivratari, Janam Ashtami, Dasehra and Diwali,” said Sharma, adding that several Muslim artistes had been performing in jagrans and Ramlila besides contributing in the organisation of langars.