Muslims in Pulwama help perform last rites of Kashmiri Pandit

TRAL — Amid COVID-19 pandemic, Muslims in south Kashmir’s Tral region arranged most of the stuff to help a family in performing the last rites of a Kashmiri elderly Pandit.

Jagar Nath Butt, a resident of Buchoo Tral village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, died at his native village today.

As the news about his death broke in the village, people in large numbers visited his house to attend the final rites of the deceased Pandit.

Locals said that a large number of youth arranged wood and other important stuff used in the cremation of the Pandit.

Jagar Nath Butt (95) didn’t leave Kashmir when majority of the Pandits migrated to Jammu and other parts of India in 1990 after the eruption of militancy.

“He was such a lovely figure who was loved by all. He was one among us and a known personality,” said Abdul Gani Rather.

“Locals are very sad and mourning the death of the elderly figure. His loss has saddened the whole village,” said another local Ajaz Ahmed.

The deceased had retired as Auditor in Cooperative Department. He is survived by his son Moti Lal and three daughters who are all settled. His son Moti Lal too lives in his native village along with his Muslim neighbours.