Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu: DD, To commemorate the 208th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, the J&K Alig Society in collaboration with the Pir Panjal Foundation for Peace and Communal Harmony organized a one-day peace conference on the theme “Building Bridges, Not Walls: Pathways to Peace and Communal Harmony” at the Cultural Hall of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Jammu.
The conference witnessed participation from a wide spectrum of eminent personalities — including academicians, administrators, writers, advocates, journalists, scholars, police officers, serving and former bureaucrats, social and political activists.
It was indeed an honour and privilege for the participants to deliberate on a theme that holds profound relevance in present times. The speakers emphasized that bridges connect and unite while walls divide and isolate. They underlined the need to strengthen bridges of understanding, empathy, and cooperation while dismantling the invisible walls of prejudice and hatred that sometimes creep into the social fabric.
The speakers observed that the last few decades had been particularly challenging for the region, as violence, displacement, and political uncertainty had created emotional and psychological barriers among communities. They stressed the importance of rebuilding mutual trust — not through politics of blame, but through politics of empathy and dialogue.
They suggested organizing interfaith seminars, joint festivals, student exchanges, and community events to humanize “the other.” It was also recommended that peace education and moral instruction be introduced in the curricula, while journalism should be used as a tool to highlight stories of communal harmony and cooperation — stories of neighbours helping each other, youth volunteering for social causes, and women leading peace initiatives.
Speakers further pointed out that peace cannot flourish where unemployment and inequality prevail. Inclusive development, infrastructure projects, and tourism were identified as common platforms for unity and economic growth. They urged the youth to engage in sports, debates, and art camps involving participants from diverse communities to strengthen bonds of brotherhood.
Calling upon political, social, and religious leaders to play a constructive role, they stressed that religion, when viewed through a spiritual lens, reveals a shared essence — humanity. “Let us choose bridges — for peace, for progress, for humanity,” they concluded.
The distinguished speakers included Sheikh Rafiq (Retd. DC), Khurshid Bhat (Doda), Adv. Shahista Hakeem (Former AAG), Prof. Shamim Bandey, Ishtiaq Ahmed Bhati (Former Sr. Prosecuting Officer), Zulifqar Naqvi (Former Principal), Arif Malik (Retd. CEO Darhal), and Tanvir Ahmed Malik (Retd. ADDC).
Former Cabinet Minister Abdul Ghani presided over the conference, while Abdul Qayoom Manhas (Retd. IGP), Dr. Haseeb Mughal, and Sohail Kazmi (Senior Journalist and Social Activist) graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Mussafar Hussain Shah, President of the Alig Society, who highlighted the significance of the theme, while Retd. Deputy Commissioner Ghulam Ahmed Khawaja proposed the vote of thanks.
At the conclusion, momentos and shawls were presented to noted Aligs and distinguished guests, including Nasim Malik, Khurshid Bhat, Rafiq Sheikh, Saima Imran, Khawaja Ghulam Ahmed (Retd. DC), Dr. Sabha Haseen Mughal, Dr. Shahnawaz Ch (Editor and Cultural Officer, Cultural Academy), Shoket Hussain Kazmi, Sohail Kazmi, Dr. Haseeb Mughal, A.Q. Manhas, Hussain Ahmed Saddiqui, Abdul Ghani, and Adv. Shahista Hakeem.
The programme was beautifully conducted by Advocate Hussain Ahmed Saddiqui, Former Sr. AAG, High Court.
Prominent personalities present on the occasion included Iqbal Hussain Kazmi (Editor-in-Chief, Daily Udaan), Maharoof Manhas (Retd. Prosecution Officer), Prof. Iftikhar Manhas, Prof. Mohd Zaman, Manzer Khayam (Sr. Prosecuting Officer), Sr. PO Khawaja, Altaf Hussain Janjua, Adv. Nadeem Hamdani, Moulana Ajaz-ul-Haq Bukhari, Adv. Zaheer Abbas, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmed Saddiqui, and Sarwar Chouhan (Retd. SSP) besides a large number of women academicians and intellectuals.DD
