Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], November 11 (ANI): In a bid to promote communal unity and tranquillity, a new organisation called “Himachal Pradesh Peace and Harmony” has been established in the state capital, Shimla.
The organisation brings together a diverse group of community representatives, including former municipal leaders, prominent religious figures, business leaders, and representatives from both Hindu and Muslim communities.
This collective was formed to ensure that the ideals of peace and brotherhood, for which Himachal Pradesh is known, are upheld amid recent attempts to disrupt communal harmony.
The founding meeting saw the participation of prominent leaders such as former CPIM MLA Rakesh Singha, Mufti Mohammad Qasmi (the priest of Shimla’s Jama Masjid), former city mayors, deputy mayors, and members of various communities.
The priest of the Jama Masjid Shimla, Mufti Mohammad Qasmi emphasised the vital importance of such a peacekeeping effort, likening it to the life-giving rivers of the Himalayas. “Just as the rivers flowing from the Himalayas are important for the life of the plains, similarly, this peace is also important for the world and humanity,” he said. He highlighted that communal harmony efforts have been made in the past, stressing that “strong intentions and the spread of truth” are necessary to dispel the darkness of misinformation.
Addressing the media person, the former MLA Rakesh Singha highlighted that Himachal Pradesh has always been renowned for its harmonious culture. “Brotherhood and peace are the symbols of our culture,” he said.
Sinha further explained that the new organisation is intended to be a foundation for maintaining “secular brotherhood and harmony” throughout the state, adding that this body will work permanently in collaboration with all sections of society. “People from different sections, whether they are farmers, employees, businessmen everyone will be included in this initiative,” he said, with Kuldeep Singh Tanwar as the convener of the forum.
The former MLA also affirmed that the government would be involved in the forum’s future activities, pledging to personally bring the matter to the Chief Minister’s attention. Referring to the recent anxieties that affected tourists and residents alike. He further assured the public that “everything is normal” and expressed his confidence that the forum’s message of peace had been well-received across the state.
Reflecting on the recent climate of communal tension, Former Shimla Deputy Mayor, Tikendra Singh Pawar stressed the need for a permanent platform to maintain harmony. “The atmosphere in today’s meeting reflects that we need a state-wide effort to sustain communal harmony,” Pawar stated.
He explained that, beyond religious or individual affiliations, the organisation’s mission is to protect communal unity, recognising that disruptions to this harmony also impact the economy and social welfare. The organisation aims to work with government agencies to proactively maintain an environment of peace and stability in the future.
Addressing a wider context, community leader Sikandar, pointed out the global reputation Asia holds for peace and harmony while acknowledging attempts to destabilize communal bonds in some regions. “The whole world is aware of the attempts to undermine communal harmony and religious reform in some areas of Asia,” he said, stressing the importance of preserving peace globally.
The ‘Himachal Pradesh Peace and Harmony’ forum is set to continue its efforts, intending to bring together community leaders, the state government, and residents from all walks of life to ensure that Himachal Pradesh remains a beacon of unity and peace. The organization’s work will resonate as a call for unity not just across the state but also as a message to the entire nation. (ANI)
, https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/himachal-pradesh-peace-and-harmony-organisation-formed-in-shimla-to-foster-community-unity20241111233115
