● Indian Army administers renovation of shrine in Kupwara
● The ‘Awaam & Jawan’ initiative saw locals from Kupwara working alongside Indian Army personnel to restore Qadir Baba Ziyarat
● Shrine renovated for the first time in 36 years since construction in 1985
18 Aug, 2021 [Kupwara] – The Indian Army reopened the door of the newly renovated and restored Ziarat Qadir Baba in Hirri, Kupwara to public on Tuesday, 17 August, 2021. Originally constructed in 1985, the shrine was in a dilapidated condition due to lack of restoration work. Kupwara Terriers carried out work for the first time in 36 years to restore the shrine to its original pristine state. The ‘Awaam aur Jawan’ initiative saw the locals work hand-in-hand with Indian Army personnel to work on the ‘mehfil’ (main courtyard) as well as painting, decoration and illumination of the shrine.
This renovation work was an effort by Kupwara Terriers to pay tribute to the authentic and ethnic Sufi culture being practiced by local people, to preserve Kashmiriyat and thereby facilitating manifestation of Islamic Sufism in the Kashmir Valley. To mark the occasion, officers and jawans of Kupwara Terriers presented a chadar and a dry fruit basket. Following traditional Kashmiri culture, as hosts, Kupwara Terriers served tea and local kashmiri bread ‘agirkhani’ to the visitors. Local artists known as ‘Bhaand’ (Gulgham singers) performed sufi songs which elevated the atmosphere.
Also present at the opening were Arif Bilal (Apni Party), Mohd Ramzaan (son of Qadir Baba) as well as villagers from Hirri. The elders were appreciative and praised the Indian Army for their the noble effort and asserted that such initiatives go a long way in restoration of peace and tranquility in Kashmir Valley.