Amid tension, Kashmiri Pandits visit Durga Nag temple in Srinagar

By: Musaib Iqbal MK

Srinagar

After the recent attacks Kashmiri Pandits could not perform Ram Navami puja at Durga Nag temple in Sonwar area of Srinagar on time and performed it on Thursday.

The Kashmiri Pandit manager at the temple claimed that authorities did not allow them to gather due to the security reasons so that they could not perform the puja earlier.

Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Manager of the temple, Makhan Lal Koul said that due to the untoward situation in the city for the past two weeks the administration didn’t allow the puja earlier.

“The puja was supposed to be conducted on 12 October as per the calendar but due to the circumstances, the administration didn’t allow it earlier,” Koul said. He said that though the puja took place today, the presence of devotees is less as compared to the previous year.

“Despite all odds, we are happy that the puja has finally taken place,” he said.

A devotee Ram Pal Kapoor from Orissa said that he and his family come every year from the last nine years to perform Ram Navami Puja.

“We have never felt insecure here. Kashmir is safe to visit,” Kapoor said.

Another devotee from Kishtwar said that the spree of killings in the valley should stop and people from all communities should live  in peace and harmony.

With KNO inputs