SRINAGAR – Showing true compassion of Islam, Kashmiri Muslims rushed to help Hindu pilgrims after flash floods removed their camps, when they were heading to Amarnath shrine, saving their lives.
“I can’t express in words what my eyes saw,” Ayatri from Gurdaspur Punjab told Kashmir Media Service News.
Ayatri is one of hundreds of Hindu pilgrims who were making their way to Amarnath shrine for annual pilgrimage when flash floods burst at Baltal Base Camp in Gandarbal district.
When everyone ran for his life, including Indian police and army men, Kashmiri Muslims risked their lives to save Hindus.
“Flash floods not only washed away tents and other items but humans were also swept away the noisy waters. We cried for help. Everybody was running for cover,” Ayatri said, recalling moments of horror.
“Local Kashmiri people emerged at once and saved me and my family members including the two minor kids. How can I thank them. I have no words,” he added.
Another Hindu pilgrim from Mathura Uttar Pradesh said that what Muslims did on that day removed misinformation spread about them and their faith for years by Hindu organizations.
“My husband and I had never imagined the Kashmiri whom we detest so much will turn out to be our saviours,” Pratibah Devi, who looked frail and hungry, said.
“Friday evening we realized that whatever Indian media reports about the people of Kashmir is based on white lies. Even Hindu organizations indulge in negative propaganda about the people living here. People of Kashmir are not only brave but helpful as well,” she said.
Criticizing policemen and Indian troops for failing to offer help, other Hindu pilgrims said that they owed their lives to the Muslim people of Kashmir.
“With folded hands I express my gratitude to a local Muslim, who saved the life of my 19 year old son Rahul,” said Anil Khana from Chanakyapuri New Delhi.
“Never in my life I will forget the helping hand that was extended by Kashmiri people towards us.”
Kashmir is divided into two parts and ruled by India and Pakistan, which have fought two of their three wars since the 1947 independence over the region.
Pakistan and the UN back the right of the Kashmir people for self-determination, an option opposed by New Delhi.