Hakeem Yaseen Urges Robust Arrangements for Urs Celebrations of Shams Faqeer (RA) and Syed Soliha(RA) in Khansahib
Budgam, June 11: President Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen, has made a fervent appeal to the administration to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the smooth and dignified observance of the annual Urs of Hazrat Shams Faqeer (RA) and Hazrat Syed Soliha (RA), both revered Sufi saints of the region.
The Urs of Hazrat Shams Faqeer (RA) will commence from June 17 at his revered shrine Astan-e-Alia located at Bagh-e-Shams, Kalshipura, Khansahib, while the Urs of Hazrat Syed Soliha (RA) is scheduled for June 21 in Khansahib area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
In a statement issued to the press, Hakeem Yaseen underscored the spiritual and cultural significance of these Urs celebrations which attract thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir every year.
He urged the district and divisional administration to put in place adequate logistical and civic arrangements well in advance to facilitate a hassle-free experience for the pilgrims and local residents.
Hakeeem specifically demanded round-the-clock electricity and safe drinking water supply for at least three to four days around the Urs period, not just at the shrine sites but also in all adjacent villages that experience increased footfall due to visiting devotees.
“The large gatherings during Urs days require uninterrupted basic services to maintain hygiene, health, and convenience for all participants,” Yaseen said.
Highlighting the essential nature of daily supplies during religious gatherings, the former minister also urged the authorities to ensure availability of essential commodities, including rice, atta, sugar, kerosene oil, and LPG gas cylinders.
He further demanded that an additional quota of ration be allocated for local residents of Khansahib and surrounding areas to meet the rising demand caused by the influx of pilgrims.
Hakeem Yaseen noted that Urs celebrations are not just religious events but also vibrant cultural gatherings that reflect the rich spiritual traditions of Kashmir.
“These events foster communal harmony, spiritual introspection, and reinforce the teachings of peace and compassion espoused by our saints. It is the duty of the administration to ensure that these spiritual traditions are observed without any disruption,” he stated.
The PDF Patron also urged the departments concerned, including Power Development Department (PDD), Jal Shakti, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Health, and Municipal authorities to work in coordination and deploy field teams to monitor arrangements on the ground.
He also called for mobile medical units, sanitation squads, and traffic regulation measures to be implemented during the event days.
Moreover, he appealed to the Wakf Board and local shrine management committees to coordinate with district officials to ensure that all rituals and religious gatherings are conducted in an organized and peaceful manner.
He reiterated his party’s commitment to preserving the Sufi legacy of Kashmir, and called upon people to actively participate in the Urs events while adhering to health, cleanliness, and spiritual discipline.
