Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 12: Gurpurab was celebrated across Kashmir valley with religious fervor today, with hundreds of devotees congregating at Chattipadshahi Gurdwara in Rainawari area of Srinagar this morning.
Divisional Commis-sioner, Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan along with Deputy Commi-ssioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary also visited Chattipadshahi, Rainawari. Interacting with the devotees in the Gurdwara, the Divisional Commissioner said that the festival symbolizes social unity and equality. He said that Guru Nanak Dev ji dedicated himself to the cause of the poor people, irrespective of caste, creed and religion.
Later, he had a meeting with Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (GPC), Srinagar during which he assured them of full support from Divisional Administration. On the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner also kick-started plantation drive inside the premises of the Gurdwara. The drive was organized by Urban Forest Division Kashmir.
While a large number of devotees reached the shrine today, they were quick to complain about the poor facilities provided by the Government to facilitate their visit on the auspicious day. Lambasting the Government for inadequate arrangements, the devotees said that as claimed by the Government, not a single facility was in place.
“The snow has not been cleared as of now, the SMC has done arrangements equivalent to nothing. We were told that the transport facility will be put in place, but nothing was seen on the ground,” he said, adding that despite harsh weather and the non-availability of means and ways to reach Chattipadshahi, they have managed to make their way.
The devotees also appreciated the efforts of India and Pakistan for opening up of the Kartarpur Corridor, saying that the step has sent out a message of peace and harmony in the region. “The opening up of the corridor has rekindled the hopes that love and harmony will see a way between the two countries; it is an example for the rest of the world as well,” said Mandeep Singh, a devotee.
“The step will go a long way in maintaining peace and tranquility; we prayed for the betterment of humanity across the world and asked for the Guru Ji’s blessings in order make the humanity to strive for worldly good by helping each other,” another devotee said.
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