15th anniversary of Mumbai attacks; IMF delegation pays tribute to martyrs, prays for nation’s peace
Chandigarh: The delegation of Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF) comprising Muslim Community Leaders and clerics, visited the Haji Ali Dargah on November 26, to pay reverence to Baba Haji Ali Shah Bukhari and held prayers for peace, prosperity, and development of the nation.
The IMF delegation, which was led by Convener Satnam Singh Sandhu, also paid tribute to the martyrs of 26/11 Mumbai attacks as the nation marked the 15th anniversary of the tragic incident. Besides this, the delegates also offered ‘Chadar,’ a symbol of devotion and respect, which is believed to carry the prayers and wishes of the devotee to the revered Saint. Haji Ali Dargah is the second most renowned Islamic shrine in India, and one of the most popular religious places in the world.
While the IMF delegation offered prayers for the eternal peace of the martyrs of the Mumbai attacks, the Muslim community in Mumbai has unequivocally condemned terrorism and its activities. In a joint statement, they expressed their unwavering commitment to never tolerate anything against India. They affirmed their dedication to collaborating with other communities as proud Indians, aiming to thwart external forces that pose vested interests against the nation.
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Muslim leaders, clerics, and delegates also expressed unprecedented trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, and hailed the initiatives taken by him for holistic development of the community and elevating their socio-economic status. They also lauded his efforts to promote love, brotherhood, and communal harmony among all the communities.
The IMF delegation that participated in the prayers at Haji Ali Dargah was led by IMF convenor Satnam Singh Sandhu. It included Sohail Khandwani, Principal Secretary Makhdoom Shah Mahimi Trust; Mansoor Khan, National President Sufi Islamic Board; Usmaan Khan, Muslim Sewa Sangh; Moin Azmeri, Sufi Coordination Mumbai; Jawed Parekh, Member Dargah Committee Ajmer and Aamir Natiq, Member Haji Ali Dargah Mumbai.
Also, Jamal Lala Khan, committee member at Haji Ali Dargah and Syed Rajiuddin, founder of Jai Ho Social and Welfare Organisation were present on the occasion.
Sohail Khandwani, Principal Secretary Makhdoom Shah Mahimi Trust, said that the nine years of PM Modi government have seen a drastic decline in the terrorism activities in the country. “The government has worked to ensure that safety of the countrymen. PM Modi-led government has showcased India’s resilience and strength to the whole world. PM Modi has worked for the development of the Muslim community. His agenda of inclusive development has given rise to the strong India. PM Modi has, with his several landmark decisions, strengthened the economic stature of the country,” he said.
He also expressed that India stands as a unified nation, where every community joins together, resilient and indivisible, ensuring the safeguarding of our country’s sovereignty against any potential harm or threat.
Expressing condolences to the victims of the Mumbai attacks, IMF Convener Satnam Singh Sandhu said, “Although it has been 15 years to the tragic Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks, its memories are still fresh in our minds, and the wounds are still raw for those who lost their loved ones. 15 years ago, when the terrorists attacked the Mumbai Metropolitan City, they did not see the religion of any individual. The people who lost their lives in that tragedy were all just human beings, they were Indians.”
He further added that the Muslim Community has flourished under the leadership of PM Modi. He said, “The best way to uplift any community is to provide education, empowerment, and employment to the people, which has been ensured by the current government led by PM Modi during the last nine years. Several landmark decisions were taken for strengthening the status of the community. The government has not only launched several welfare schemes but has also ensured that the benefits of these schemes reach every individual, every community.”
Satnam Sandhu added that India under PM Modi’s leadership is heading on the path of becoming the world’s third largest economy, and recently marked a USD 4 trillion GDP. He added, “India has seen major transformation in every aspect in the last nine years. Through Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, PM Modi has ensured the participation of the Muslim Community in the progress of the country. Every community is playing a crucial role in India’s journey of becoming a global leader.”
Jamal Lala Khan, who is the committee member at Haji Ali Dargah, said that they are thankful to Indian Minorities Foundation (IMF) for visiting the dargah on the 15th anniversary of tragic Mumbai attacks. “We along with IMF prayed for everlasting peace in the country. The county has seen peaceful days during the last nine years,” he said, adding that Muslim youth have been empowered with various schemes and welfare initiatives of the government.
He emphasized that the pursuit of inclusive development has led to the empowerment of every community over the past nine years. “Each community has experienced unparalleled progress, contributing significantly to our nation’s remarkable strides in development and advancement,” he said.
Syed Rajiuddin, who is the founder of Jai Ho Social and Welfare Organisation, also echoed the same sentiments. He said that during the last nine years no major terrorist attack took place which shows that India has strengthened itself which is of paramount importance in the development of the country. This achievement not only underscores the nation’s resilience but also exemplifies the collective dedication towards securing the nation’s prosperity and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Indian Muslim Youth Warn Pakistan
The Muslim youth, on this occasion, issued a resolute warning to Pakistan, affirming zero tolerance for any form of terrorism directed at India. “As proud citizens of India, we are committed to delivering a robust retaliation to any terrorist actions targeting our nation,” they asserted.
Amir Iqbal Natiq, a local businessman, emphasized that the reformative measures implemented in recent years have brought about an unparalleled transformation in the country. “As our nation ascends as a frontrunner across various sectors, it’s imperative for all of us to actively contribute to our nation’s advancement,” he emphasized.
He highlighted the need for unified efforts from every individual, underscoring that while the nation evolves as a leader in numerous fields, it’s the combined dedication of its people that fuels this remarkable ascent.
Muslim women applaud empowering policies of PM Modi-Led Government
During the event, Muslim women devotees at the Haji Ali Dargah strongly condemned terrorism. Exhibiting their patriotism, they expressed a sense of empowerment within their community, particularly citing the impactful decisions implemented by the PM Modi-led government. They also highlighted the positive impact of these landmark decisions for the welfare of Muslim community, particularly for Muslim women.
