Locals perform last rites of Hindu soldier in Kulgam

Kulgam, March 31: A Hindu Rajput soldier who had returned home to attend his brother’s death anniversary died of cardiac arrest on Friday in Kakran village of Kulgam district
His last rites were performed by his Muslim neighbours.
Balbir Singh (55), a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) solider, died of cardiac arrest on Thursday evening, a CISF officer told reporters. Balbir, he said, was posted at Amritsar Airport.
Balbir’s neighbour Gull Mohammad, said he had returned home four days ago. “His health suddenly deteriorated, and he was admitted to a nearby hospital, where doctors referred him to Srinagar hospital, where he died of natural causes,” he said.
“We are saddened because they are part of a minority community; we are their neighbours, and they are ours. In their hour of need, we are as much a part of their family as they are. We uphold our brotherhood and are present for his last rites,” he said.
Balbir’s brother Satish, a driver, was killed by militants outside his home in Kakran Kulgam on April 13, last year.
Balbir’s family is the only Hindu Rajput family in the village, and today his Muslim friends and neighbours assisted in performing the last rites.