BLACK DAY FOR WHOLE KASHMIRIYAT: FIRE INCIDENT AT SHRINE OF PEER-I-PEERAN GOUSUL-AZAM DASTGEER SAHIB(RA)

Srinagar June 25 (Only Kashmir): The Sufi shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA), populary known as Peer Dastgeer Sahib, in Khanyar in downtown Srinagar, was gutted in a fire this morning. The fire started from the roof top of the shrine at 6:30 am soon after people completed morning prayers. They are still trying to determine the cause. 

The Sufi shrine was made of wood, has been completely damaged however the holy relics and other sacred valuables were retrieved safely. 

“The holy relic was kept in a fire/burglary proof vault inside the shrine. The holy relic is safe and has been retrieved," a senior official of the state government” told Only Kashmir

The four hundred year old shrine of the 11th century saint is the nerve centre of spirituality in Kashmir. The shrine is equally revered by all faiths and its damage in the fire has caused deep anguish and shock amongst people. This was evident after women were seen on streets wailing and beating their chests, as they saw fire engulfing the shrine. 

Tension, however, continued in Srinagar city in the wake of the devastating fire that destroyed the over 300-year-old wooden shrine in the Khanyar area. At least 20 people many of them policemen were injured in the clashes. Six fire tenders and one ambulance were also damaged by angry mobs who blamed fire service officials for reaching late. 

The four hundred year old shrine of the 11th century saint is the nerve centre of spirituality in Kashmir. Interestingly, the saint never visited Kashmir and the holy relic was brought here by an Afghan governor, Abdullah Khan, 337 years ago. (OK)