In situations like these, the people who are hell-bent on disturbing peace and tranquillity, particularly, the communal harmony, end up en-cashing the situation in their favour by fanning the communal hatred—which is somehow visible on the ground, from both the sides. However, the need of the hour is to act maturely and come out loud to protest the innocent killings, which is true for both the communities because both the communities have lost innocent people for no fault of theirs.
The blood has no colour to determine whose blood has been shed. When shed, it is all red and that is something that needs to seep in within Kashmiri society, be it Pandits or Muslims, or Sikhs for that matter. Excesses committed, and injustice done cannot be tolerated and should not be tolerated in a society like Kashmir which is known globally for its care and hospitality to its guests. If Kashmiris are known for treating our guests with care, how on earth can a Kashmiri intend to ill-will their brethren, no matter their faith. Times are tough, but there is a need for holding on to the feelings of love, compassion and empathy from both sides.
Kashmiri people know how to live in coexistence and the same has been visible through their acts which remain away from the media glare. We have had several cases on record where the Kashmiri Muslims performed the last rites of Kashmiri Pandits who had no one around. It is those scenes when the real outlook of a common Kashmiri is projected and by nature, a Kashmiri has always been tolerant and believes in living together. But the incident, in which Rahul Bhat was killed and that too inside his office has not only turned everyone numb—no matter their religion—but at the same time is a blot on the people of Kashmir as a whole.
