By IANS,
Srinagar : Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde Sunday paid obeisance at the shrine of revered Sufi saint Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali at the historic Charar-e-Sharief town in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmiris are Sunday celebrating the 592nd Urs of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali who is known as the patron saint of Kashmir.
Shinde was accompanied by state Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, state Congress chief Saif-ud-Din Soz, Minister of State for Home Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Madhav Lal and Director General of Police Ashok Prasad.
Shinde prayed at the mausoleum of the saint for the country’s peace and prosperity.
The custodians of the shrine, as a mark of respect, performed traditional ‘Dastar Bandhi’ (tying of turban) of the home minister.
Shinde was greeted by the people and pilgrims present at the shrine and he shook hands with some of them.
Speaking to the people, Shinde said it was his keen desire to pay obeisance at the Hazratbal shrine and the shrine of Charar-e-Sharief as they had always preached peace and love.
Responding to the demand of the local youths for police recruitment drive at Charar-e-Sharief town, Shinde said he would consider holding an employment drive in the paramilitary forces for the local youths.
The home minister is concluding his three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Sunday.