Kashmiri Pandits, living in different parts of Anantnag, have thanked their Muslim neighbors for taking care of them and safeguarding their lives and properties during the ongoing unrest in the valley. The Muslims have also pledged to safeguard the minority communities.
A meeting between the representatives of the three communities was held at the famous sun temple in Mattan area of Anantnag. The meeting stressed on the need for maintaining communal harmony during the ongoing testing times.
“Our stay here, when most of the people from our community fled the valley, has only been possible because of our Muslim brothers. They have always taken care of us and they are keeping up the tradition,” said Roop Krishan Raina, a resident of Mattan.
Kashmiri Pandits, working under Prime Minister’s package, living in transit camps at Mattan and other places left the valley after the onset of the current unrest. However, the ones living at their homes have decided to stay back like they did in the 90’s.
“They (Muslims) have made sure we do not feel shortage of any essentials as Kashmir continues to remain locked down,” Raina said.
Master Charan Singh seconded Raina and said, “We are brothers. Kashmir is not a place which anybody can divide on communal lines and all three communities have played their part to keep it like that.”
Muslims, meanwhile, said it was their religious and moral duty to safeguard the interests of religious minorities. “It has been made obligatory on us by our religion. It’s not a favor we extend. It’s our duty. We have to keep our Pandit and Sikh brothers out of harm’s way,” said Muhammad Rafi, a resident of Mattan.
