PIX: Revered relics of gutted Srinagar shrine displayed

The relics of various Muslim saints retrieved from the gutted revered shrine of Dastageer Sahib in Srinagar were displayed before the media on Wednesday afternoon, thereby putting at rest fears about their fate.

Syed Khalid Hussain Jeelani, custodian of the sacred relics at the old city Khanyar shrine of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani, displayed the relics.

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The relics include a hair of the beard of the Iraqi saint, Peer Dastageer Sahib, manuscripts of the holy Quran written by Imam Ali Murtaza, son-in-law of the Prophet of Islam which also contains the seal of the Prophet of Islam, and another manuscript of the Quran written by Caliph Abu Bakar.

The custodian of the holy relics said the display of relics had become necessary to re-assure millions of devotees about their safety.

He, however, said no public display of the relics would be done in near future as the traditional practice of displaying around the Urs of the Muslim saint would be followed henceforth as well.

Meanwhile a complete shutdown was observed in the summer capital Srinagar for the second day on Wednesday, even as strict restrictions were enforced by the security forces in areas falling under six police stations of the old city.

No movement was allowed in the old city areas falling under police stations of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, Maharajgunj, Safakadal, Kralkhud and Maisuma.

Security forces used coils of razor fitted wire to block road intersections in the old city which witnessed protests and violence on Monday.

Most of the schools in capital city remained shut today while attendance in government offices was also affected.

Mufti Azam Moulvi Bashir-ud-Din has extended the strike by two more days and asked people to march towards the gutted shrine on Friday.

Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Rajya Sabha member Dr Karan Singh visited the shrine that was gutted early Monday in a devastating blaze.

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