‘We celebrate together, mourn together; this is real identity of Kashmir’
Pulwama May 20: In a touching example of communal harmony and brotherhood, residents of Midora village in Tral sub-division of Pulwama district came together to perform the last rites of an elderly Kashmiri Pandit woman, reaffirming the Valley’s centuries-old tradition of coexistence and mutual respect among communities.
The woman, identified as Jigar Devi, passed away on Tuesday. With only a few members of the Pandit community left in the area, local Muslims and Sikhs stepped forward to ensure that her cremation rituals were carried out with dignity and respect on Wednesday.
Eyewitnesses told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that people from different communities assembled early in the morning to assist the bereaved family, arrange the funeral procession, and participate in the last rites. The atmosphere in the village was marked by grief, solidarity, and a strong sense of shared humanity.
Residents said the gesture reflected the true spirit of Kashmiriyat — the traditional ethos of communal harmony, compassion, and brotherhood that has long defined Kashmiri society.
Mehraj Ahmad, a Muslim resident of Midora, said the entire village considered it their moral responsibility to stand with the family in their hour of grief
“Death and grief belong to humanity, not to any one religion. Jigar Devi was part of our village and our family. It was our duty to help perform her last rites with honour and respect,” he said.
Shafiq Ahmad, another neighbour, said such moments send a powerful message of unity at a time when society often witnesses division and mistrust. “People here have lived together for generations. We celebrate together, and we mourn together. This is the real identity of Kashmir,” he added.
Members of the Sikh community who participated in the cremation rites also described the gesture as a reflection of shared human values.
Parmeet Singh, a resident of nearby Naner village, said the area stood united irrespective of religious identity. “In times of sorrow, humanity comes first. We did not see her as belonging to one community; she belonged to all of us. Standing together in difficult moments is our culture and tradition,” he said.
The members of the Kashmiri Pandit community expressed deep gratitude towards the villagers for extending support and compassion during the difficult time.
A relative of the deceased said the support shown by Muslims and Sikhs was emotional and reassuring. “We are overwhelmed by the kindness shown by the people here. They stood by us like family members and ensured every ritual was performed properly. Such gestures keep hope and brotherhood alive,” one of the family members said. (KNO)
