22-06-2023 : The holding of the International Yoga Day event on the lawns of a revered shrine in Budgam district has sparked criticism from former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah and other prominent figures. The event, organized by the Army in collaboration with the administration, took place at the shrine of Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani, also known as Sheikh-Ul-Alam and Alamdar-e-Kashmir, at Charar-e-Shareef in central Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah, the vice president of the National Conference (NC), took to Twitter to express his disapproval, referring to the program as a “photo-op.” He questioned the decision to use the burial place of such a revered saint for a yoga day event. His comments highlight the concern that the sanctity and religious importance of the shrine should be respected and preserved.
Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu also criticized the event, considering it an “absolutely hare-brained” idea. He stressed the need for sensitivity when dealing with places of religious significance, emphasizing that such locations should be treated with utmost respect.
Socio-political activist Tahir condemned the event as a deliberate attempt to hurt people’s religious sentiments. He expressed his belief that the life of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani was an example of peace and brotherhood, and the decision to host a yoga demonstration at the shrine disregarded the emotions and sentiments of the majority community. He called for accountability and suggested that the responsible officials should be sacked for allowing such an occurrence.
Twitter user Adil described the use of the resting place of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Noorani for the photo op as “outrageous.” He highlighted the significance of Sheikh-ul-Alam as the most prominent Kashmiri Sufi wali who preached monotheism and encapsulated the teachings of the Holy Qur’an in his poetry. The event, in Adil’s view, failed to show the appropriate respect and reverence for the spiritual importance of the shrine.
The criticism surrounding the International Yoga Day event at the Sufi saint shrine reflects the concerns of individuals who believe that religious places should be treated with sensitivity and not be used for photo opportunities or events that may undermine their sanctity. The comments from Omar Abdullah, Junaid Azim Mattu, Tahir Peerzada, and Twitter users highlight the need for greater respect and understanding when organizing events in locations of religious significance.