Muslims perform last rites of Kashmiri Pandit in Tullamulla

Ganderbal, Dec 24: Displaying the age-old communal harmony in Kashmir, Muslim residents in Tulmulla village of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district helped in performing the last rites of a Kashmiri Pandit man, who died on Saturday.

Bansi Lal, 65, was among a few families from his community living in the area.

The last rites of the deceased, fondly called Kaka Ji, were performed with the help of local Muslims, who mourned his death as one of their own.

He was cremated at his ancestral place in Batpora, Tulmulla.

“The deceased was a great human being who would visit Muslims on the occasion of festivals and also whenever anyone among the Muslim community passed away. He was part and parcel of the composite culture and we must return the favour by ensuring his last rites are performed as per their religious rites,” Chairman Civil Society Tullamulla, Manzoor Wani said.

Locals said that they share a good bond with the Kashmiri Pandits living in the area.

“Today, the Muslims also shouldered Kaka Ji's coffin and arranged for wood for his cremation. We feel we have lost one of our own. He was just like the elder brother and I used to take suggestions from him many times,” Bilal Bhat, a local said.

“We have shared joys and sorrows with him and we feel like our family member has passed today,” another local said. “To help our neighbours irrespective of their religion is our duty which we performed.”

Prem Nath, a relative of the deceased, while thanking the Muslims of the area and Civil Society Tullamulla said that Kashmir is the best example of communal harmony and brotherhood, and Pandits and Muslims share a strong bond that has been here for decades.

Officials of civil and Police administration were also present during the cremation.