Indian Army hosts Iftaar with local population in Kupwara at Markazi Jamia Masjid

@JournalistAadil

Srinagar: To strengthen the bond with the people of the valley, the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Indian Army’s 41 Rashtriya Rifles (41 RR) Col MS Navalgatti who is keeping fasts for the second consecutive year Sunday joined the Awam (people) of Kupwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district at historically significant Markazi Jamia Masjid at Iftiyari and broke the fast with them. 

The holy month of Ramadan begins in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and India this month with the first fasting on Sunday.  

Muslims across the globe including Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) keep fasts for the entire month and join each other at Masjid’s (Mosque) for Iftiyari, an evening meal after fasting for the day. 

Commanding Officer of 41 RR Col MS Navalgatti Sunday joined the locals along with the Auqaf Committee members of Markazi Jamia Masjid to break the fast. He was welcomed by the locals and Auqaf Members along with the religious clerk (Imam) of the Markazi Jamia masjid. 

The Auqaf members and Imam appreciated the efforts of the Indian Army saying that the bond between the Army and the people must strengthen further with such a friendly approach. 

They said that such steps set an example of the wave of change in the Kashmir valley which is being set by this Kupwara district. They also demanded that more such get-togethers must be held in time to come on each special occasion and keep the bond going hand in hand always.  

Locals assured their support for the Indian Army saying that they (Army) have always been available for the people of Kupwara like in times of untimely blazes and other incidents as evident from recent support.  

After breaking fast with the Awam of Kupwara, the CO later joined them for Maghrib (Evening Prayers) prayers at Markazi Jamia masjid where people in numbers appreciated and acknowledged the efforts of the officer. He prayed alongside the locals during which special prayers for peace and brotherhood were made. 

Later several gatherings assembled outside to take selfies with the officer saying that such people set an example of brotherhood and an everlasting bond. Notably, CO 41 RR is keeping fast this month like in the previous year he was keeping fasts for the holy month of Ramadan to keep the connection with the local populace growing.