Srinagar, June 14 (KNS): The 60th passing away anniversary of Mirwaiz Moulana Ateequllah Shah (RA), the prominent religious scholar, spiritual leader and former president of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, was observed with great devotion and respect.

According to a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS) due to the continued detention of the Anjuman head Mirwaiz Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, it was not possible to organise any major academic event in this regard. "However, in a brief and significant meeting, teachers, staff and students of the Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam paid homage to the Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA) for his invaluable educational services and reforms to the institution."

The statement reads that they said the tenure of Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA) as the chairman of the Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam was an unforgettable, illustrious and golden period for the institution in all respects as it produced a large number of doctors, scholars, engineers, scientists and intellectuals under his guidance, who excelled in their respective fields and earned fame for Kashmir.

The statement said that shortly after the establishment of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam in 1899, Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA) was appointed its General Secretary and after the demise of Mirwaiz Ahmadullah Shah (RA) in 1931, the responsibility of presiding over the institution was placed on the shoulders of Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA) and since then until his last breath, the late Mirwaiz added a valuable chapter in the history of the Anjuman by devoting all his abilities to achieve the goals and objectives of the institution.

"From 1947 to 1962, the institutions run by Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam faced a severe financial crisis and its Grant-in-Aid was also stopped by the government, however, as a result of the sincere efforts of late Mirwaiz, people of Kashmir who extended assistance through various means, this reputed institution continued to move forward in achieving its educational, reformative and social activities."

It reads that in 1955 when under a deep-rooted conspiracy the educational institution was set ablaze, it was the late Mirwaiz's efforts which yielded results and the Anjuman building was constructed again with great splendour.

The Anjuman said during the same time, due to the efforts of Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA), the foundation stone of Islamia College of Science and Commerce Srinagar was also laid. "The college used to run on the premises of Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam for the first two years and was then transferred to Hawal, Srinagar. Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA) was the President of Islamia College of Science and Commerce, for life."

The statement said that the late Mirwaiz made great efforts for the betterment and reform of the society besides guiding the people of Kashmir in matters of politics and religion in the most unfavorable conditions. "His divine qualities and God-given abilities benefited the people in every walk of life."

It reads Mirwaiz Moulana Ateequllah (RA) was a great Islamic scholar who was greatly respected and loved by people and was easily accessible to all for guidance and help.

The Anjuman reminded that as soon as the news of Mirwaiz Ateequllah's demise spread, thousands of people from both Muslim and Pandit communities from nook and corner of the valley gathered at the Mirwaiz Manzil to pay their last respects to him. "On the second day, an official holiday was observed and the deceased was buried in his ancestral graveyard, Malkha."

It added a special Quran recitation ceremony was organised by Islamia Oriental College in which students, teachers and staff paid their respects to Mirwaiz Ateequllah Shah (RA), other presidents of the institution and all the well-wishers. (KNS)