Srinagar, November 24:(KNS) A delegation of scholars and activists led by prominent Shia cleric and scholar from Lucknow Moulana Syed Kalbe Jawad Naqvi on Tuesday called on Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari at his residence in Shiekhbagh Srinagar.
During the meeting that lasted for over an hour, Moulana highlighted very significant issues pertaining to the members of Shia Community in Jammu and Kashmir and solicited the intervention of Apni Party president for their resolution.
Moulana Jawad, who is also general secretary of Majlis-e-Ulama-e-Hind, comes from a family of scholars known as 'Khandaan-e-Ijtehad', and he enjoys considerable influence over the Shia Community across the country.
Raising various problems faced by the Shia Community in J&K, Moulana observed that there is a dire need for establishment of a Shia Waqf Board in Jammu and Kashmir consisting of the upright people who are known for their commitment and integrity.
He also expressed serious concern over the rising unemployment among Shia Community, lack of avenues for the families who depend on handicrafts, entrepreneurship facilities for its skilled youth and other issues of basic amenities in Shia localities across J&K.
Moulana also raised the issue of imposing a blanket ban on all Muharram rituals and urged the Apni Party president to include the holistic socio-economic development of the Shia Community in its manifesto.
Promising all possible help from his Party, Bukhari assured the delegation that
Apni Party would always raise and work to resolve the grievances and sufferings of the Shia Community living in different parts of J&K.
“It is a matter of pride for all of us that both the communities Shias and Sunnis live amicably and have always come forward to strengthen their bonds in J&K. Apni Party will always be available for the welfare and empowerment of our minority communities irrespective of their faith and sects,” Bukhari added.
He expressed gratitude to Moulana and his delegation for reposing trust and confidence in Apni Party and assured them of full support from the Party on all issues pertaining to the community. Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir also attended the meeting.(KNS)