Once a bustling hub, landmark for peace move Now stands silent
NEW DELHI: The Dr B R Ambedkar Bus Terminus near Delhi Gate no more resembles the once bustling hub, which generated much hope for peace with Pakistan. The non-functional terminus is rather a grim reminder of the strained India-Pakistan relationship, with only the signboard remaining the testament of old times.
Launched in February 1999 amid much fanfare, the bus service was meant to send out message of peace and friendship, bridging the divide between the two nations. It was more than a bus link, it rather raised the hope for people-to-people contact.
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's historic bus journey to Lahore in 1999 marked a significant moment in India-Pakistan relations. Despite the initial optimism, tensions and conflicts followed and eventually the bus service was suspended after the 2001 Parliament attack. Though the service resumed in 2003, it was suspended again in 2019 after nullification of Article 370.
For now, the terminus serves as a hub for other international routes, including the Delhi-Kathmandu bus.
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The Wire
an hour ago
- The Wire
‘Attack on Religious Right of Kashmir's Muslims,' Says Mirwaiz as J&K Govt Bar Eid Prayers at Srinagar Eidgah
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Government 'Attack on Religious Right of Kashmir's Muslims,' Says Mirwaiz as J&K Govt Bar Eid Prayers at Srinagar Eidgah The Wire Staff 11 minutes ago The chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference was also reportedly put under house arrest. Hurriyat Conference Chairman and Chief Cleric of Jammu and Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Photo: PTI/File. Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir authorities have barred congregational Eid prayers from taking place at the Eidgah grounds in Srinagar today (June 7) without specifying any reason in writing. The chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also reportedly put under house arrest. 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Mirwaiz told The Wire that security forces barricaded the entry to his house on Saturday morning without any official intimation, 'They didn't allow me to come out to lead the Eid prayers. It is an attack on the basic religious right of the Muslims of Kashmir,' he said. No permission In a statement on Friday (June 6), Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, the managing body of the historic mosque, said that the authorities didn't give permission for organising the Eid prayers at the Eidgah ground where thousands of people from different parts of Kashmir gathered to participate in the congregational prayers when J&K was a state. The managing body's statement said that it 'deeply regrets' the denial of permission for organising the prayer at the Eidgah ground which was planned 'in keeping with the longstanding Islamic tradition and the collective religious sentiment of the people'. The statement said that due to the refusal, the congregational prayers were going to be organised at Jamia Masjid on Saturday morning where Mirwaiz would deliver sermon 'on the philosophy and spirit of Eid and Qurbani (sacrifice)'. 'Auqaf urges all worshippers to attend the Eid prayers at Jama Masjid in large numbers and partake in the message of unity, sacrifice, and submission to the will of Allah (SWT) that Eid-ul-Adha embodies,' the statement said. However, the 14th century architectural marvel in Nowhatta locality of downtown Srinagar was closed on Saturday with police and paramilitary troopers turning away the worshippers who tried to gather for the Eid prayers while Mirwaiz was put under house-detention. A flock of pigeons flies past Jamia Masjid, Kashmir's oldest mosque in Nowhatta locality of downtown Srinagar, amid snowfall on December 27, 2024. Photo: Ubaid Mukhtar. 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Meanwhile, Eid prayers were held in the rest of the Union territory with thousands of people congregating in major shrines and mosques, including at the Asar-e-Sharief in Hazratbal of Srinagar, Khanqah-e-Moula in Budgam district's Chrari Sharief and other mosques and religious places on Saturday to mark the occasion. Following the reading down of Article 370 in 2019, the BJP-led Waqf board of J&K has taken over the management of most shrines and mosques in the Union territory, a decision which has been criticised by the Mirwaiz and other political parties. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. 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Time of India
an hour ago
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Indian diaspora to benefit as Canada proposes expansion of citizenship by descent
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India Gazette
2 hours ago
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