Srinagar : People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former Minister, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, on Tuesday extended warm greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious twin occasions of Mela Kheer Bhawani, the revered Hindu festival dedicated to Mata Ragnya Devi, and the annual Urs of Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA), also known as Shah-e-Hamdaan (RA) the legendary Sufi saint who laid the foundations of spiritual and socio-cultural transformation in Kashmir.
In a statement issued here on Tuesday Hakeem said that Mela Kheer Bhawani holds immense cultural and religious importance for Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) and symbolizes the deep-rooted pluralistic ethos of the Valley. He stressed that such festivals reinforce the inclusive and harmonious spirit of Kashmir, where communities of different faiths have coexisted with mutual respect and dignity for centuries.
On the occasion of Urs of Shah-e-Hamdaan (RA), Hakeem Yaseen paid rich tributes to the revered saint, recalling his monumental contribution to the spiritual and cultural legacy of Kashmir. He said that Shah-e-Hamdaan (RA) not only propagated the message of peace, love, tolerance, and brotherhood, but also played a vital role in shaping Kashmir’s unique identity through the promotion of traditional crafts, education, and social reform. “The spiritual vision and civilizational mission of Shah-e-Hamdaan (RA) continue to guide us in these turbulent times. His legacy is a timeless reminder of how faith, culture, and compassion can transform societies,” Hakeem Yaseen said.
Addressing the concerns surrounding the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, Hakeem Yaseen reiterated that the KPs are an inseparable part of the Kashmiri society, and their absence has created a cultural void that needs to be filled.
“Kashmir is incomplete without our Pandit brothers and sisters. Their return should not be politicized or reduced to hollow rhetoric. Those who now talk about their rehabilitation must introspect their own failures when they were in power,” he said.
He emphasized that the reintegration of Kashmiri Pandits can be meaningfully achieved through community-led initiatives and the support of the civil society, rather than merely relying on government-sponsored or politically motivated packages.
“The return of KPs should be guided by empathy, mutual trust, and the will of the people. They can come back with the support of their Muslim brethren who have always stood for peace and coexistence,” he added.
Hakeem Yaseen also appealed to both communities to rise above past wounds and work together to rebuild the syncretic heritage of Kashmir.
“We must reject divisive narratives and stand united to preserve our shared history, culture, and future,” he said.
Calling for collective efforts to protect Kashmir’s composite culture, he urged the youth to study the lives of great saints and thinkers like Shah-e-Hamdaan (RA), whose teachings promote unity in diversity. He said the message of Sufi saints must be revived and practiced in today’s challenging times, where forces of hatred and division seek to distort the inclusive spirit of Kashmir. Hakeem urged the administration to ensure smooth and safe conduct of both Mela Kheer Bhawani and Urs celebrations, while facilitating adequate arrangements for devotees and pilgrims.
