Pandits pay obeisance at Badri Kali Mandir

Kupwara, Oct 2: Once the hub of militants, Handwara in this border district witnessed a festive look when hundreds of Kashmiri migrant Pandits paid obeisance at Badri Kali Mandir on the occasion of Mahanavami after more than 17 years.

The occassion turned out to be an emotional reunion of Muslims and their Pandit brethren, who had migrated to different parts of the country, including Jammu and Delhi in 1989 following eruption of militancy.

About 200 to 250 Kashmiri migrants arrived at Handwara to a warm welcome by their Muslim brethren.

''Our dream to pay obeisance at the Badri Kali Mandir and meet our Muslim neighbours has come true,'' said the Pandits adding ''it was our last wish also to visit our motherland.'' They said they were touched by the warm welcome and love they received from locals during their visit to the village where food and other items were arranged by the local Muslims.

''Our Kashmiriyat will remain unchanged despite facing all odds,'' migrant pandits said referring to food which was served to them by the local muslims at a time the when Muslims themselves were observing holy month of Ramzan fast.

The pandits said they were keen to return back to their homes.

''We prayed for early restoration of peace in the Kashmir valley,'' they said.

UNI