Murmu directs DGP to secure shrines after dargah set afire

Directs restoration, repair at Government expense

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu on Tuesday asked the police chief to strengthen security of shrines across the Union Territory following an attack on the Dargah of Mir Syed Mohammad Hamdani (RA) in Tral area of south Kashmir.
The Sufi shrine, adjacent to a local mosque at Kounsarbal (Krusbal) Mohalla in the Old Tral Township, was allegedly set ablaze by miscreants on the intervening night of November 25-26.
“On Monday night, at about 11:20 pm, miscreants attempted to desecrate the local shrine of Mir Syed Mohd Hamdani (RA) at Kousarbal Tral which resulted damage to the portion of the mosque meant for offering prayers by the women folk,” police said.
According to police, the structure was partially damaged and some window panes and matting were charred by the time the fire was put out, even as it launched investigation to nab the culprits behind the miscreant act.
Condemning the attack by calling it "cowardly", the LG said such acts are designed to arouse passion among the people and hurt their sentiments but they will not be tolerated, an official spokesperson said.
He said that the perpetrators of the heinous act will not be spared and shall be brought to justice, he added.
Police have registered a case and launched a manhunt to nab the culprits, the spokesperson said.
Murmu has appealed to the people to maintain peace and calm and not get swayed by rumours.
The LG has further directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to strengthen the security of shrines across J&K.
He has also asked the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir to take immediate measures at government expenses to restore the vandalised Sufi shrine to its original pristine condition, the official said.