| Almost 20 years after 2 lakh kashmiri Pandits were uprooted from their homes there is some hope and communal harmony in the terror-stricken Valley. Muslims residents have helped a pandit restart pujas at a deserted temple. Triloki Nath Ganjoo, 82, has braved the turbulent period of terrorism. He chose to stay in Kashmir even when nearly 2 lakh Kashmiri pandits fled 20 years ago. Having performed puja for the first time at the newly reopened Puran Raj Bhairav temple, Triloki Nath Ganjoo feels an immense sense of relief. "It was a long and big storm for 20 years. The storm is over. It smashed us but it has not totally annihilated us. We are alive and our culture is taking a new life. The culture is homogenous and secure based on Hindu and Muslims practices," says Ganjoo. In the 1990s, both the communities faced tremendous onslaught due to terrorism but now with good atmospherics prevailing the Kashmiri pandits are back again and reopening temple after temple thanks to the support of the local people. The Bhariav temple, once a terrorist trouble spot, reopened after some local Muslims alerted the pandit community about a land mafia's plan to usurp the worship place. In fact, they even helped arrange sindoor and diyas for special pujas and in cleaning up an ancient spring. "We want them to reopen the temples. They are our brothers, we welcome them," says Mohammad Aslam. In fact, Triloki Nath's neighbour, Sanjay Tickoo, has taken it upon himself to reopen such temples. The Kashmiri Pandit Sangarash Samiti, founded by him has revived 34 temples. "Without the support of locals, this was not possible. These centres will become peace and reconciliation centres and there will be a joint managing committee," says Tickoo. As the bells toll on at the Bhairav temple it seems Kashmiriyat, as Triloki Nath says, has survived the storm. Regards Shail |
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