Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 12: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today stressed upon putting an effective mechanism in place to ensure availability of essential supplies like electricity, water, healthcare, ration and fuel to the people during Muharram days in the valley.
He said Muharrum reminds us of the supreme sacrifice made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) to uphold his unwavering belief in the principles of truth and justice.
The Chief Minister said this while chairing a high-level meeting to review arrangements for Muharram, at SKICC here this afternoon.
Besides Chairman, Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali, Minister for Horticulture, Haj & Auqaf, A. R. Veeri, Minister for Revenue, Javaid Mustafa Mir, Minister for Public Works, Syed Altaf Bukhari, Minister for Transport, A. G. Kohli, Minister for IT and YS&S, Imran Raza Ansari, Minister of State for Power, I&C and H&UDD, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Aisea Naqash and Legislators, Abid Hussain Ansari, Noor Mohammad and Aga Sayeed Bakar Rizvi, attended the meeting.
The Divisional Commissioner, Asgar Samoon, presented a detailed report on the arrangements made for Muharrum in Kashmir Division for which a proposal for release of Rs.5.74 crore has been submitted to the Planning & Development Department.
The Chief Minister emphasized upon hassle-free transport service and availability of essential supplies like power, drinking water and firewood to the people. He also ordered functionality of the streetlights around Imam Baras and other places associated with Muharram processions and Majalis. “Adequate healthcare facilities and arrangements for issuing advance ration for one month in Shia-dominated areas during Muharram days must be made certain,” he observed.
Mufti Sayeed also directed Municipal Commissioner to carry out special sanitation drives as part of the ongoing cleanliness programme during the month. He also heard suggestions from representatives of various organizations so that fool-proof arrangements are put in place.
The Chief Minister also obtained status from Chief Engineers of Power, PHE and R&B Departments and Director Health Services, Kashmir, who assured that all arrangements pertaining to their respective departments have been made.
Secretary General, Indian Red Cross, J&K, also briefed the Chief Minister about the measures taken by IRC, especially those related to engaging volunteers for facilitating people.