By Bilal Bashir Bhat,
Srinagar: There is disappointment in Kashmir over the cancellation Dr Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri’s visit to India.
The internationally reputedIslamic Scholar, who is often marred in controversies, and the chief of Minhajul Quran International Dr Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri adjourned his visit to India after some visa issues.
After hearing this news there appears to be is disappointment amongst of his followers in India in general and in Kashmir particular.
Official sources in the Union home Ministry said that Dr Qadri's visa has been held back because of Intelligence Bureau’s note. “We have not been told on what ground the IB has not cleared it," sources added.
Canada-based Pakistani scholar Qadri was scheduled to address several meetings in India, including the three days visit to Kashmir, herein he was scheduled to address his first congregation speech on the banks of world famous Dal Lake at Dargah Hazratbal Srinagar on 20th January, followed by a speech at Govt B.Ed College at M.A. Road.
“Despite cone chilling winters we had done almost 80% of the preparations of Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri’s visit which including Banners, Advertisement in Newspapers, Posters, Invitations to the local Scholars and unfortunate all goes waste, however good news is that new schedule of his visit will be announced aftermath the parliament election,” says Muhammad Saleem Bhat a senior member of Minhaj ul Quran Kashmir Chapter.
Although it was his maiden visit to Kashmir, people of Valley have never heard this renowned scholar directly, but the disappointment among his followers and the hosts can be observed easily.
"I'm really disappointed. I'm worried the visit will never happen this year, because of forthcoming Election in India," said Javaid Ahmad a clothes trader and a graduate from Kashmir University.
“I can give all my property for a glimpse of Tahir-ul-Qadri,” said business tycoon who hails from Srinagar.
“When I heard that he (Tahir-ul-Qadri) is scheduled to visit here, I thought that it won’t be easy for the local Government to host this reputed Islamic Scholar, Yes I was Right,” said Majid a local Bookseller.
“I used to listen his speeches on Television every Night before going to bed, It would be a dream to see him face to face, but I exactly don’t know why he cancelled his visit at the eleventh hour,” said Asif, a resident of Hyderpora.
