Grand Mufti of India backs nation's efforts to combat terrorism, urges national unity
New Delhi, May 09 (PTI): In a gesture of national solidarity, the Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, on Friday expressed strong support for the government’s stance and actions against terrorism and extremism, particularly in sensitive regions like Kashmir.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sheikh Abubakr lauded the government’s “principled stance” and the armed forces’ efforts in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and security.
He described terrorism as a grave threat to both national stability and global peace, emphasizing that India’s proactive measures are not only necessary for its internal integrity but also crucial for international harmony.
“India’s strategic interventions and diplomatic leadership can play a transformative role in countering radical ideologies and promoting sustainable peace across South Asia,” the Grand Mufti noted in the letter, underscoring the broader regional significance of India’s counter-terrorism policies.
Calling for unity among all citizens, Sheikh Abubakr urged the people of all faiths and backgrounds to stand behind national efforts.
“We must all act as custodians of the values that bind us as a diverse yet harmonious nation,” he wrote.
Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad is the 10th Grand Mufti of India and the first Shafi scholar from South India, according to the official website of Grand Mufti of India.
He is the general secretary of the All India Muslim Scholars Association and the founder and vice-chancellor of Jamia Markaz Saqafathu Sunniyya.
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Maharashtra sets up state vaccination task force to strengthen immunisation programme
Mumbai (PTI): The Maharashtra government has set up a State Vaccination Task Force to strengthen the regular immunisation programme and review the progress of related campaigns, a health department official said on Monday.
The State Vaccination Task Force will comprise at least 29 members and will be headed by the administrative head of the health department, he informed.
The government has also constituted separate district-level and municipal vaccination task forces to improve implementation and address challenges at the grassroots level, he said.
Municipal task forces, chaired by respective civic commissioners, have been constituted in view of the vast urban population in Maharashtra and the role of civic bodies in implementing different health programmes.
The district-level task forces will function under the chairmanship of collectors.
"Complete immunisation of children at the appropriate age is an extremely simple, cost-effective and highly effective measure to reduce child mortality and the prevalence of diseases among kids. Immunisation is a powerful tool for reducing illness in children," maintained the official.
To ensure full vaccination of all children, the state government implements various campaigns from time to time as per the central government guidelines, he pointed out.
"Active participation and cooperation of other relevant government departments are essential (in making these campaigns successful)," according to the official.
The state-level body will review the regular immunisation programme, associated campaigns and vaccine-preventable diseases in detail. It will also conduct focused assessments of high-risk districts and municipal corporations, including vacancies at district, municipal and sub-district levels, availability of cold chain equipment, resource gaps and training requirements, he noted.
The state task force will review allocation and utilisation of funds for immunisation and ensure timely action by officers concerned based on reports from district and municipal task forces and state-level monitoring mechanisms, the official said.
It will also ensure active coordination and participation of other government departments in immunisation drives, while district and municipal task forces will carry out similar functions at their respective levels, the official added.
