Srinagar, June 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday visited the Dastageer Sahab (RA) shrine, which was gutted in a fire incident yesterday, and issued instructions for early start of work for its reconstruction.
Omar, who cut short his visit to London, returned home this morning and drove straight to the 200-year-old shrine for a first hand assessment of the damage.
The Chief Minister, who is also chairman of the Muslim Waqf Board which runs the affairs of most of the shrines in the state, said the shrine will be reconstructed as per its old design and architecture.
“The holy shrine will be restored to its original glory and the best possible expertise engaged in the process of restoration,” he said.
Omar appealed to people to maintain peace and exercise restraint and exhibit highest degree of tolerance.
He said the entire state is anguished and is in a state of mourning. The Chief Minister asked people to beware of divisive forces whose sole objective is to disrupt peace and harmony in the state.
“All of us who regard and respect the divine and revered shrine should stand for peace and tolerance,” he added.
Omar was accompanied by Minister for Rural Development, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Muhammad Sagar, Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani and District Development Commissioner, Baseer Ahmed Khan.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 26 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST