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Inter-religions harmony seminar held in Kalash valley of Bumburate

By Zahiruddin

CHITRAL: In a seminar on “inter-religious harmony” in the Kalash valley of Bumburate , the exponents of both the Kalash and Muslim communities dwelling in the valley expressed their satisfaction over the ideal situation of religious and social harmony prevailing in the valley. Held under the auspices of AKRSP and Ayun valley Development Project (AVDP), the seminar was attended by elites of all the three Kalash valleys, members of different civil society organizations and stake holders of tourism. Chairman of AVDP Abdul Majeed Qureshi, AKRSP representative Hussain Ahmed and others including Barzangi Khan Kalash, Rahmat Ilahi former union nazim, Wazirzada Kalash and Muhkamuddin said that the two communities have been living in the valleys respecting each other’s beliefs, dogmas and traditions although there is very less degree of similarity between them. They dispelled the impression of the outsiders that Kalash are coerced or cajoled to embrace Islam and said that one can not cite a single incident corroborating it. They said that they will not allow any body to disturb the ideal balance between the two communities who have been living in the valleys since long in complete harmony. They said that an ideal harmony is also exists between different strata of the society and all the people live as a single unit and no disintegrating force can enfeeble the cohesion among them. Different proposals were also put forward to make the bond stronger and stronger and committees were formed consisting of both the communities to solve any issue as and when cropped up.