Azad breaks protocol to offer prayers with people in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 11 (UNI) In an unprecedented gesture, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad side-stepped security and offered prayers and had a glimpse of the holy relic with the general public on Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi, the birth anniversary of the Prophet Mohammad, at the historic Hazratbal shrine here today.

Mr Azad offered 'Namaz-e-Zuhar (noon prayers)' along with tens and thousands of devotees who had assembled at the Hazratbal shrine on the occasion.

After the prayers, the Chief Minister side-stepped security concerns and protocol as well to join the general public in the lawns of the Hazratbal shrine to have a glimpse of the holy relic of the Prophet Mohammad.

It was for the first time during the past 20 years that any Chief Minister mingled with the people in the lawns of holy Hazratbal shrine and remained with them for 40 minutes.

Thousands of devotees gathered around Mr Azad and expressed their gratitude for smooth arrangements on Eid-ul-Milad-un-Nabi this year.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Haj and Auqaf Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir, MLC Abdul Gani Vakil, Divisional commissioner, Kashmir Basharat Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Asgar Samoon, besides senior civil and police officials and several political personalities.

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