Nothing could be as bad news for Haj pilgrims, returning from journey of their life time, as news of involvement of city based youths in terrorist activity on their own soil. Although handiwork of some misguided youths, the Hajis believes there is more than what meets the eye behind such incidents.
The hajis were shocked to learn about serial bomb blast that took place in a political rally at Gandhi Maidan in Patna on October 27. The news did not break until the Hajis came out of the terminal and they were taken aback upon learning the act of violence which they believe is against the tenets of their religion. For the hajis who prayed prosperity, happiness and communal harmony to the almighty the news turned out to be a biggest disappointment.
“I prayed communal harmony but the incident has saddened me. Islam never teaches violent means to achieve something but youths of today are being misguided by people of vested interests who want to create wedge between different communities,” said Rafique Alam of Doranda. Notably, around 235- 142 men and 93 female- pilgrims on WednesdayNext flight carrying pilgrims is scheduled to arrive at 9.20 am Thursday.
The hajis, however, believe backwardness, lack of employment opportunities besides other reasons are luring youths towards terrorist activities and unless the core issues are addressed it is not possible to bring them back in the mainstream of society.
“They need to shift their focus on constructive activities but they have very little opportunity. This is where masterminds of terrorism win over them and inculcate wrong ideology in them,” conceded Yunus Ansari of Kanke Road.
Nonetheless, hajjis communicated that justice should be done and truth must come out for it will ultimately benefit the community from other forces who they believe use such incidents to further their interests. “If the boys are wrong they should be punished but efforts should be made to ensure that the community is not victimized,” said Abdul Rafique Khan of Bariatu.
Notwithstanding the incidents that are potentially divisive in nature most of hajjis prayed for communal harmony and prosperity for all. Interestingly, issues which in recent times snowballed into major controversy fomenting trouble for the administration and people also featured among the blessings the pilgrims begged to the almighty. “You know about the trouble in Nagri. May the people of the area live peacefully and without controversy,” said R Ansari of Nagri. Despite the shocking development pilgrims believe that things would be back to normal in the days to come and harmony will be restored.