To Punjab, with gratitude from Kashmir

Azhar Qadri
Tribune News Service
Srinagar, February 20

Kashmiri students and traders, who reached safely home today, had many a story to narrate on the help extended by members of the Sikh community in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack, providing them not only food and shelter in Punjab, but also protection. 

To express gratitude, hundreds took to the Internet. A cartoon depicting a Sikh extending his arm to a drowning Kashmiri was an instant hit. Cartoonist Suhail Naqashbandi tweeted: “Sardar means a leader and they lead by example. Hats off for being everywhere to help.” 

A picture of members of the Sikh community standing guard outside a college in Punjab went viral too. “This is real humanity which these braveheart brothers showed,” tweeted Peer Adil, an engineering student.

“We will never forget what you have done for us in this hour of distress,” wrote Dr Showkat Shaida even as the Gulmarg Snow Bikers Association announced to charge 60 per cent less from Sikh tourists and a doctor vowed free consultation to Sikh children for the whole year.

Khalsa Aid India won special appreciation. “There are so many Punjabis to make sure every Kashmiri is safe here,” said Amarpreet Singh, the director.

Punjab has nearly 4,000 Kashmiri students. Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh too came in for praise. “We will ensure their dignity is preserved. No innocent will be subjected to harassment,” he has assured.