Historical Srinagar shrine gutted in blaze

Srinagar, June 25 (IANS) Historical Peer Dastgeer Sahib shrine in summer capital Srinagar was gutted in a blaze here Monday morning although the authorities said all the relics of the 11th century saint were safe.

A senior officer of the local fire brigade department told IANS: "Fire broke out inside the Peer Dastgeer Sahib Shrine in Khanyar locality of the city around 6.30 a.m. today. Dozens of fire tenders have been pressed into service.

"The firefighting is still going on at the shrine although the old wooden structure appears to have suffered massive damage. The cause of fire is being ascertained".

An official of the provincial administration said all the relics of the saint those are lodged inside a fireproof vault were safe.

Scores of locals gathered at the shrine weeping and wailing while they watched the blaze.

Reverence for the 11th century saint in Kashmir cuts across religious barriers. While Muslims call the saint Ghaus-e-Azam, the Hindus revere the saint as Kahnoow.