Pandits hugging waiting Muslims and vice versa and smiles being exchanged on a sunny day – this was the scene dominating the first day of a three day long Khir Bhawani Mela at Khir Bhawani temple in Ticker, Kupwara, about 105 kilometres away from the capital city Srinager. The turnout of nearly 50,000 Pandits for the event was the biggest in recent history. “We (Kashmiris) are the coldest blooded in the world, we believe in non-violence, we feel lonely without Muslim brethren in Jammu and other places. I am extremely happy to see Muslims around” said SL Pandit, an insurance agent, in one breath. “This is my security, do you expect him to kill me or me to kill him” said Pandit, while referring to an elderly Muslim who held Pandit in a tight embrace, the moment he saw him.

Avtar Krishan, working in industries said “I am pleased to see the warm welcome by Muslims. A Kashmiri Pandit is incomplete without a Kashmiri Muslim and same is the case with Kashmiri Muslim. Foreign countries are responsible for the disintegration of Kashmir” “The reception here was far beyond our expectations. Muslims today demonstrated to the world that they cannot live without Pandits. Mufti government is far better than NC as this has taken care of minority and it seems committed to bring minority back to homeland. Such events (Melas) are the confidence building measures among the people” said an advocate Kuldip Bhat.

Muslims equally feel exalted with the return of the Pandits to the Valley. They had a dream to see their brothers back and were desperate to see to it. Thousands of people from Ticker and its adjoining villages were waiting anxiously for the Pandits outside Khir Bhawani temple on this grand occasion. Many people had not gone to de-weed their fields. “Hopefully my friend Ashwani will come, I am missing him badly and am desperate to see him. It would be after 14 years that I will see my friend,” said Ab. Rashid, waiting for Ashwani in front of the Mandir gate. “Today is our Eid. Our brothers are coming to see us after 14 long years. We will celebrate. We will convince our brothers to stay with us. We will take care of their security” said Ghulam Mohammad president of Ticker.

Though the security arrangements were adequate with police and BSF guarding the visitors, the atmosphere was so cordial that Muslims were allowed to visit the pooja place. According to Ghulam Hassan, 82, it was for the first time that Muslims reached the sacred place of the Pandits. Even in the 1980’s when there was no violence, the well inside the temple was out of bounds for Muslims.

Not only the public, but security persons guarding the mela also were extremely happy to see the Pandits returning to the Valley. They believe that such events will help people to come closer and live in a friendly atmosphere “I am pleased to see the response of Muslims on this occasion; Government should help organize such melas every year. People in the Valley want to live with Pandits in a communal atmosphere unlike Gujrat, said inspector on duty, Vinod Kumar. NH Naruka, inspector BSF at Khir Bhawani Mandir said “Muslims showed great enthusiasm in receiving Pandits. I am happy to see Pandits enjoying Mela. Such activities will help develop brotherly atmosphere between government and the people.”

Heart rendering scenes were witnessed on the departure of Pandits for Jammu. Tears rolled down the cheeks of many while giving a send off to the Pandits. “I will miss her badly, I don’t know how to live without her,” murmured Gulshan, while holding her friend in a tight embrace at the local bus stop.