Indeed a very sad day in Kashmir.
The historical Peer Dastgeer Sahib shrine in Srinagar was gutted in a blaze on Monday morning, authorities say all the relics of the 11th century saint are safe. Reverence for the 11th century saint in Kashmir cuts across religious barriers. While Muslims call the saint Ghaus-e-Azam, Hindus revere the saint as Kahnoow.
I was
at the office when the fire was blazing and no idea this had happened until
evening. This was a beautiful mosque and very highly revered by all who live
here. I am just amazed that there were no more casualties as the mosque is in a
densely populated area. Of course there is a lot of suspicion as to how the
fire started and this has caused tension and some street riots, which in turn
has caused the army and police to impose a curfew.
Emotions are running high and for fear of people protesting the
curfew has been imposed through Friday. Secessionist leaders have also called
for strike.
So shops are closed, no one has gone to work and the barbed wire
has once again been rolled out to cordoned off the old town. Just when
things were appear stable this happens. I just hope that by Saturday there will
be some answers as to how the fire started and that people do not turn this
into an opportunity to start protests for a separate/independent Kashmir.
Of course for everyone in the valley daily life is at a
standstill and all plans are on hold. For the family I live with that means no engagement
part tomorrow
Articles on the fire
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2164855/Protests-erupt-200-year-old-Kashmir-shrine-gutted-fire.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Local writer tells of watching the fire
Article on the curfew http://www.risingkashmir.in/news/eerie-silence-prevails-in-kashmir-29180.aspx
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