Muslims help Pandits restore their temple in a village in Kashmir

M

uslims helped rebuild a temple of the Pandits in Hariparigam Village Tral in Pulwama district in a shining example of communal peace, not just through donations, but also through the supervision of its building. A few decades before the temple was built and it has been in a shambles for so many years. Both Muslims and Pandits agreed to rebuild the valley and set an example of popular peace.

Makhan Lal, a local Pandit, said that “the Muslims donated money, they also were involved in it’s building.”

“Muslims provide active support,” Ramesh Bhatt, another resident, said. “This temple is a sign of the Hindu-Muslim unity. We had a joint discussion on its restoration.”

We do not believe in duality or in faction politics, we share a culture “Bhat said.” It is real Kashmir, this is our religion and we share brotherhood.

Farooq Ahmad was one of those involved in the reconstruction. “This is a change for communality,” said Farooq. “We lived here and took care of each other for years.
He said the temple was built some days ago, after which the local Muslims and Hindus collaborated to rebuild it.

Muslims as well as Pandits feel that this move of Muslims will send a powerful message to all of the country about harmony and peace.