Kupwara, June 9: A Kashmiri Pandit Wednesday visited his native village in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district after 30 years to meet his Muslim friend.
ManoharPandit, who used to reside in Nehama village of KralgundTeshil, had left Kashmir during early nineties along with his family at the onset of militancy in Kashmir.
“One can’t stay away from his native land forever and the love for my native land has forced me to visit Kashmir. Most importantly, I have come to see my Muslim friend with whom I have spent the unforgettable moments of my childhood,” said Pandit who was a student when he along with his family left Kashmir.
He presently lives in Jammu and runs a shop there.
Pandit said that his joy knew no bounds when he reached to his native village and met his friend.
“On reaching here, I came to know that some of my close friends have left for heavenly abode. I am lucky enough to meet my close friend GhulamMohuiddin,” he said.
Pandit remembers his childhood memories of playing with his friends under the shadow of Chinar tree at Kralgund.
He said that this Chinar tree had made him nostalgic.
“I travelled across the entire country but did not find people as helpful and sympathetic as Kashmiris,” Pandit said.
He said that him staying at his friend’s home should serve as an eye-opener for those who say that they do not feel safe visiting Kashmir.
Pandit said that he wants to settle again in Kashmir and live with his Muslim friends.