Amid Uncertainty After Uri Attack, A Hindu-Muslim Bond Grows Stronger

Uri: As an uneasy calm lingers in settlements along the Line of Control, fears of an escalation of conflict between India and Pakistan is on everyone's mind.

But in Bandi village, overlooking the Army brigade headquarters in Uri -scene of the attack two weeks ago that left 20 soldiers dead - the uncertainty has further cemented an age-old bond between Hindus and Muslims.

The heightened tension has brought back memories of war and Pakistani shelling on villages along the border and the Line of Control or LoC.

Krishan Lal, head of Bandi village, said the entire community has decided to not abandon each other in case shelling starts from the Pakistani side. The amity between the Hindus and Muslims in the village has always been strong, the 70-year-old said.
 Even In 1947, when tribal fighters from Pakistan invaded Kashmir, Krishan Lal said he and other Hindus were protected by their Muslim neighbours.

"The sentiment and relation remains the same. Whenever there is any problem, we face it together. The age old bond is intact. We are together and in case of shelling from across we will stay together," said Mr Lal.

Robin Kumar, a shopkeeper in Bandi, said, "We have heard from our parents how we have lived and survived during the conflict in 1947. We will follow the path of our forefathers. There will be no change in that."

In 1990 when most Hindus left Kashmir at the height of militancy, Bandi village was an exception. Assured by their Muslim neighbours, many Hindus from the village did not migrate.

"When militancy erupted and Hindus started leaving Kashmir, they (Muslims of the village) did not allow us to leave. They told us we will live and die together. That was the right decision. Nobody harmed us. We are living peacefully and earning a living here," said Krishan Lal.

Mohammad Sidique, neighbour and a friend of Krishan Lal, said, "We will live together and die together. Nothing can separate us."