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Hindu Temple Reopens in Srinagar, After 19 Years

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, March 8: Soomyar Mandir, a Hindu temple at Haba-Kadal in the summer capital Srinagar was thrown open after 19 years.

Before the onset of militancy in 1989, the Haba-Kadal had the maximum concentration of Kashmiri Hindus. After the turmoil, most of the Kashmiri Hindu families migrated to different parts of India and Indian troops set up a camp at the temple, which is still present there.

The temple on the banks of river Jehlum was re-opened, the other day on the occasion of Hindu festival.

About a hundred Kashmiri Hindus attended the re-opening function of the temple amidst reciting of religious hymns. A large number of Kashmiri Muslims also attended the function and interacted with the Hindus, who once lived in the area.

Some of the Kashmiri Hindu families, who have stayed back in the area, said that they did not face any kind of insecurity. "In fact, we considered ourselves always secure in the company of our Muslim neighbours," said Kamlesh Parimoo, a Kashmiri Hindu resident of the area.

"As a young boy I used to sell flowers on the occasion of Hindu festivals near this temple. My joy knew no bounds when I learned that this temple will be opened. I hope other temples are also restored," he said.

The Hindu idols lying outside the temple have remained untouched. "They have not been touched by anybody," said Kanya Lal Wazir, president of Hindu Welfare Forum.

He, alleged however, that gold and silver ornaments of some temples lying in possession of some Hindu priests have gone missing. He further alleged that Hindu priests from outside Kashmir have targeted the ornaments and their property within Srinagar city.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.