Hassan Cheruppa

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — A Kashmiri woman legislator returned to India on Monday after performing Haj with a hope that peace and harmony would prevail in the Kashmir valley, especially the border region. Dr. Shehnaz Ganai, a member of the Jammu and Kashmir (JK) State Legislative Council and a leader of the ruling National Conference Party, told Saudi Gazette that Kashmiris want good neighborliness with Pakistan.



“As Kashmiris living very close to the Line of Control, we are the first people affected by any friction that happens on the border,” Ghanai, who hails from a village in the border region of Pooch, said.



“The Kashmiri pilgrims were saddened by the reports about the recent border tension. We want to live in peace and harmony and all pilgrims prayed for permanent peace and prosperity in the valley,” she said.



Ganai, the only woman member of the 14-member State Haj Committee, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was deputed by the state government as observer to oversee the Haj arrangements.



“The government of Saudi Arabia deserves accolades for the smooth conduct of a hassle-free Haj.  I am very happy to see the fine arrangements and the excellent services offered by the Indian Haj Mission. Serving food in lodgings of pilgrims in Madinah was very good and I hope pilgrims will also be served with food in Makkah during next Haj,” she said.



Ganai thanked the Saudi and Indian authorities for enabling some 7,011 Kashmiri pilgrims, mostly from the flood-hit regions, to perform Haj.



“Despite very bad flood situation, almost all pilgrims were able to set out for their lifetime journey. Although the floods disrupted the scheduled flight services, the JK government operated Haj flights on war footing basis, amidst the devastating floods that submerged almost half of the state.



Ganai said that the state Haj committee provided jackets with logo for men pilgrims and scarves with logo for women for the first time and this helped pilgrims to identify and reduced cases of losing their way at the Holy sites. 



She specially lauded the selfless services rendered by various Indian voluntary organizations, including India Fraternity Forum. “It was wonderful to see several women and students swung into action in serving Guests of God.”



Ganai appealed all Muslims to pray for the people of Kashmir to live in peace and prosperity, as well as to help victims of flood. During Haj, she met Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Ali, president of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).



“During the meeting, I informed the IDB officials that JK is passing through a tough time as colossal damage has been caused to life, property, crops, infrastructure and utility services across the state during the devastating floods and landslides. I informed them that it is the need of the hour to pool all resources to help the Kashmiri people overcome the challenges posed by the natural calamity through their generous help,” she said noting that there are restrictions for receiving any fund because the model code of conduct is in force in the state for the upcoming elections.



Ganai thanked people in the state and other parts of India for coming forward to support the flood victims of the valley.



“I appreciate the unity of Kashmiri people when they rushed to take part in relief operations irrespective of their religions and political affiliations. Many voluntary organizations and local youths have also participated in the relief and rescue operations, which is highly laudable,” she said.



Ganai hoped that her party will retain its position as the largest party in the 87-member assembly elections, which will be held in five phases between Nov. 25 and Dec. 20.



“I am fully confident that NC-led alliance will form the next government. There is no chance for the Hindu nationalist BJP coming to power in the Muslim majority state,” she said.



Ganai did her MBBS from the government medical college and PG from Osmania University and PG diploma from Symbiosis Institute.



She joined the medical department and served as an assistant surgeon in Poonch district. In 2005, her true calling came while working for an NGO named after her father for the families affected by earthquake in Poonch.

 

Seeing distressed and helpless families, she decided to join politics. She quit her job and formally joined NC in 2007. Daughter of late Ghulam Mohammad Ganai, senior NC leader and a minister, she is the first woman doctor to become a lawmaker in the state.



Ganai was the first woman legislator of a ruling party who staged a walkout within a few days of her becoming MLC when her private member resolution on the hill councils for Rajouri and Poonch districts was dropped from the list of business.