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| Muslim neighbours escort Hindu doctor's Barat | | Silver lining in violence hit Kishtwar | |  Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, Aug 11: Despite dark clouds of mistrust following incidents of Friday that spilled over to entire state, traditional amity has provided a silver lining to this town dented by communal violence. In an incident that could assuage fresh wounds, a Hindu doctor's Barat was escorted by Muslim villagers through Muslim dominated area of the town. Marriage of Dr. Ashish Sharma son of a J & K Excise department employee was scheduled for Saturday, a day after communal clashes broke out in Kishtwar town after Eid prayers.
As per Hindu rituals, the marriage could not be deferred once the Mehandi ceremony of a groom and bride had been solemnized. Naresh Sharma, a worried father, resident of Shaheedi Mohallah Kishtwar was in dilemma over the marriage of his son since strict curfew was imposed in the town following rioting and arson.
However, to his utter surprise, Naresh Sharma's Muslim neighbours offered help. Naresh's family living in the Muslim dominated Shaheedi Mohallah of Kishtwar were moved by the gesture of benevolence even though whole Kishtwar District was burning in the fire of communal hatred. The Muslim neighbours nearly 100 in number escorted the Barat of Dr. Ashish up to Chowghan ground passing through Muslim dominated areas. Besides Naresh Sharma, the father of the bride Murli Sharma, a Junior Engineer in PHE department was also moved by the humane initiative of the majority community.
While talking to "Early Times" Dr. Ashish Sharma and his wife said that they and their family were humbled by the goodwill gesture of his Muslim neighbors. "I and my family were worried when we left the home--- but everything ended on a good note and my marriage turned out to be an example of communal harmony" said Dr. Ashish. "This type of incident can not deter the age old bond between the two communities" said Ashish's wife.
55 year old Irshad Ahmed Sheikh, a close friend of Naresh Sharma said that Kishtwar District traditionally symbolized communal amity since centuries. He said incidents like those happened on Eid cannot malign these relationships. He said that the marriage of son of his friend is a glaring example of communal harmony and brotherhood in Kishtwar and added that this marriage is itself a befitting reply to the communal forces who wants to divide the people in the name of religion.
Dr. Zahoor, a Kashmiri friend of Dr. Ashish came from Kashmir was also moved by the incident. "I am happy to see Muslim neighbours of my friend come forward to his help" said Dr. Zahoor. |
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