Srinagar: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq emphasized the critical need for preserving places of worship and enhancing societal unity during the foundation stone laying ceremony of the historic Bazar Masjid in Srinagar’s Bohri Kadal area. The mosque, which suffered extensive damage due to a fire in June 2024, is undergoing reconstruction, symbolizing a broader call for community solidarity.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the event on Sunday was not just a ceremonial act but also a rallying call to the community, attended by locals and prominent Ulema including Dr. Tariq Ahmad Butt, Dr. Abdul Lateef Kindi, and Molana Maqbool Akhrani. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in his address, lauded the community’s efforts in mobilizing resources for the mosque’s restoration and underscored the broader significance of such places in fostering social cohesion.

During his speech, Mirwaiz appealed to business leaders and community members to generously support the reconstruction efforts. He highlighted the mosque’s importance not only as a place of worship but as a communal space crucial for maintaining cultural heritage and social unity.

The ceremony also featured a poignant moment when Maulana Mubarak Mubarki, chairman of Bazm-e-Tawheed, made an appearance despite his health issues. Mirwaiz’s warm reception of Mubarki underscored the enduring respect and commitment within the community leaders towards each other and their collective cause.

This event marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to rebuild not only the physical structure of Bazar Masjid but also to strengthen the fabric of the community in Srinagar.