In a heartwarming display of Kashmir’s age-old communal harmony, Muslim residents of Wakura village in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district came together to help perform the last rites of a Kashmiri Pandit man who passed away on Monday.
Surinder Kaul was one of the few remaining members of his community still residing in the area.
The last rites of the deceased, affectionately known as Sahab Ji, were performed with the heartfelt support of local Muslims in the Wakura area, who mourned his passing as if he were one of their own. He was cremated in the village with full respect and dignity.
“The deceased was a noble soul who stood by us during festivals and in times of grief. He was deeply connected with our community and upheld the spirit of Kashmir’s composite culture. Today, it is our responsibility to honour his life by ensuring his final rites are conducted with dignity,” said Mohd Yousuf, a local resident.
Residents shared that they have always maintained close bonds with the Kashmiri Pandit families in the area. “Today, we carried Sahab Ji’s coffin, arranged firewood for the cremation, and stood by his family in grief. It feels like we’ve lost one of our own. He was like an elder brother, and I often sought his advice,” said Bilal Ahmad, another local.
Former MLA Ganderbal, Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar, who also attended the cremation, added, “We have shared happiness and sorrow with him. Today, it feels like a family member has left us. Helping our neighbours—regardless of religion—is our moral and social responsibility, and we fulfilled that duty with love and respect. (Media reports)
