Ganderbal, Dec 24: In a heartwarming display of unity, residents of Tullamulla village in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district gathered to bid farewell to Bansi Lal (Kaka Ji), a local Kashmiri Pandit who passed away on Saturday.
The predominantly Muslim community actively participated in performing Hindu funeral rites, underscoring the region’s rich history of communal harmony.
Chairman of Civil Society Tullamulla, Manzoor Wani, expressed the sentiment, stating that Kaka Ji was an integral part of the composite culture, fostering relationships by participating in both Hindu and Muslim festivities. The community came together, utilizing various platforms, including social media, to spread the word about the funeral rites, reflecting the deep bonds shared among the diverse populace.
Kaka Ji, who chose to stay in the Valley during the turbulent nineties when many Kashmiri Pandits were leaving, symbolizes the enduring connection between communities.
Prem Nath, a relative, extended gratitude to the Muslim residents of Tullamulla, emphasizing that the incident exemplifies Kashmir as a beacon of communal harmony. He stated, “Muslims and Pandits are incomplete without each other,” reinforcing the longstanding brotherhood that has thrived for decades in the region.