Jammu and Kashmir: A small village, ‘Dewar’ located in the Tral area of South Kashmir, is popular for strong unity among Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities.
The permanent return and resettlement of migrant Pandits in Kashmir Valley have always gathered critics, but the residents of Kashmir are still waiting eagerly for the Kashmiri Pandits’ return. The centuries-old tradition of Kashmir of religious brotherhood and tolerance is still alive, and examples of it persist in appearing day by day.
Last Thursday, a few local Muhajir Pandits came back to their local Dewar for some time after several months and were welcomed warmly by the local Sikh and Muslim community. Kashmiri Muslims, Migrant Pandits and members of the Sikh community gathered together and met them with tears in their eyes.
The video of the incident went viral on social media during the weekend, and as per sources, a local pandit of Dewar, CL Bhatt, came back to his native village with a few of his colleagues. Shabbir Ahmad Raina and ADC Tral were also present with him.
A local resident, Gardeep Singh, stated that the village Dewar had been the true example of brotherhood for centuries. Sikhs, Pandits and Muslims lived together here, and this brotherhood is still alive. As per Gardeep Singh, the Pandit brothers chose to migrate because of unfavourable conditions, but their love stays in their hearts today as well.
While outlining the visit of migrant Pandits to Dewar, he stated that CL Bhatt came to the village with several colleagues, and they welcomed them because they wanted Pandit Bhai to return and stay here with the same ancient tradition and love.
Ghulam Nabi Butt, another local citizen, stated that the village is a practical example of consensus and unity, and in the village Muslim, Hindu and Sikh communities have shared each other’s sorrows and joys. Butt stated that he has been cleaning the temple every day voluntarily and is still waiting for the permanent comeback of the Kashmiri Pandits.
