J&K: Let peace return

It is shocking to find desperate political elements in Kashmir trying to whip up violence following the fire at the shrine of the 12th century Sufi saint Sheikh Syed Abd al-Qadir Jeelani, known locally as Dastgeer Saheb, last Monday. Located in the inner city of Srinagar, the 250-year-old place of reverence was holy in the Kashmiri psyche and drew Sunni, Shia, and Hindu faithfuls.

While an official inquiry has been instituted, the high-voltage protest launched by irresponsible elements has kept Srinagar virtually locked down with curfews due to fear of violence. Initially it was thought that an electrical short-circuit may have caused the devastating fire, but some are now pointing to the possibility that anti-shrine worship political sects within Sunni Islam could be involved. But it is too early to say, and we must await the findings of the inquiry.

It is clear, however, that neither the state government nor the Centre can be accused of permitting the destruction of the holy relics at Dastgeer Saheb. No government would seek to court unnecessary trouble and disturb the peaceful situation in the Valley. But this is the foolish charge sought to be levelled by those who could not care less. As soon as the inquiry is concluded, the government must take swift action to rectify the situation or punish the guilty, as the case may be. In the meantime provocations must be avoided.