90-year-old Shaam Lal Panditha cremated with neighbours’ support; Pandit family expresses gratitude; residents urge migrated KPs to return home
Pulwama, Jun 03: In a touching example of Kashmir’s age-old tradition of communal harmony and mutual respect, members of the Muslim community in Pinglena village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district came forward to assist the family of a deceased Kashmiri Pandit elder, reaffirming the bonds of brotherhood that continue to unite people across faiths.
Ninety-year-old Shaam Lal Panditha, one of the few remaining members of the Kashmiri Pandit community in the village, passed away on Tuesday. Soon after news of his demise spread, residents rushed to his home to offer condolences and extend support to the grieving family.
Villagers actively participated in making arrangements for the funeral and cremation, ensuring that the family did not face any difficulty during the final rites. Residents described the gesture as a natural expression of the close relationship that has existed between the Muslim and Pandit communities in the area for generations.
“Shaam Lal Ji was not only a respected elder of the Pandit community but also a beloved member of our village. We have lived together for decades, sharing joys and sorrows. Standing by his family in this difficult time was our moral duty and responsibility,” Ghulam Rasool Khan, a neighbour, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
Shahnawaz Shah, another resident of the village, said the values of brotherhood and coexistence remain deeply rooted in Kashmiri society. “Our elders taught us to respect one another irrespective of religion. Whenever a family faces grief, the entire village stands together. Today’s support reflects that spirit,” he said.
Residents said that despite the challenges Kashmir has witnessed over the years, the bonds between ordinary people have remained strong. They said the funeral arrangements demonstrated that humanity and compassion continue to transcend religious identities.
Members of the Pandit community expressed gratitude for the support extended by their Muslim neighbours and said the gesture brought comfort to the family during a moment of immense loss.
“We are deeply thankful to our Muslim brothers who stood with us from the beginning and helped us perform the last rites with dignity. Their support reflects the genuine affection and respect that still exists among communities in Kashmir,” said a relative of the deceased.
Ashwini Kumar, another member of the Pandit community, said such acts strengthen hope for a future built on trust and coexistence. “These gestures remind us that the social fabric of Kashmir is still intact. The love and support shown by our neighbours are invaluable during times of grief,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents appealed to Kashmiri Pandit families who migrated from the Valley during the turbulent 1990s to reconnect with their native places, assuring them that they would be welcomed with warmth and respect.
“We want our Pandit brothers and sisters to return to their ancestral homes. Kashmir’s culture has always been based on mutual coexistence and shared traditions. Their presence is an important part of our social and cultural identity,” said a village elder.
Members of the Pandit community urged the administration to establish a proper Shamshan Ghat in the area, highlighting the difficulties faced during cremation ceremonies due to the lack of dedicated facilities.
“The absence of a proper cremation ground creates hardships during funerals. We request the administration to address this long-pending issue and provide a suitable Shamshan Ghat for the community,” they said. (KNO)
