Muslims join Hindus as Raghunath Mandir in Srinagar hosts first Ram Navami pooja in 36 years
Srinagar (PTI): The Raghunath Mandir in the Habba Kadal area of the city came to life on Thursday, as Hindu devotees were joined by their Muslim neighbours for the first Ram Navami pooja at the century-old temple in 36 years.
Although renovation and restoration work are still underway, the temple management committee organised the pooja to mark Ram Navami.
"The Ram Navami pooja is being held at this temple for the first time in 36 years. Some of us have come from Jammu, but there are so many across the country and abroad who supported the restoration works by donating," said Sunil Kumar, general secretary of the management committee.
He mentioned that the "Murti Sthapana" (installation of the idol) at the temple could not take place due to the ongoing work.
Regarding the potential return of Kashmiri Pandit migrants to the valley, Kumar stated that such a return would not be possible without the support of the Kashmiri Muslim community. "It would not take even a year for the government to rehabilitate us, but Kashmiri Muslims need to support our return," he emphasised.
Ghulam Hassan, a local Muslim, was also present at the temple to join the celebrations. "Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims are brothers. We have lived together for decades," he said.
Special prayers were held at various temples in the city, including the Shankaracharya temple, to celebrate Ram Navami. Tourists and security forces joined the small local Hindu population in the festivities.
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26-year-old man arrested for stabbing mother-in-law in Belagavi
Belagavi: A 26-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his mother-in-law following an argument over a video call in Aladakatti village in Savadatti taluk of Belagavi district, according to Asianet News.
The accused, identified as Aravind Gawali, allegedly attacked his mother-in-law, Mahadevi Karigar (45), after a dispute related to frequent video calls. She is currently undergoing treatment in the ICU at Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences.
Police said Mahadevi had arranged her daughter’s marriage to Aravind, a resident of Mantur village in Hubballi taluk, about one-and-a-half years ago. The couple recently had a child, and the woman was staying at her parental home for post-delivery care. There are allegations that Aravind had been harassing his wife.
Mahadevi got annoyed with her son-in-law’s constant video calls. She told him, “I can’t just sit around on the mobile all day, leaving my work aside. Call only once a day.” Aravind then allegedly abused her with foul language. In response, Mahadevi warned him, saying, “If you come to our village, I won’t spare you.”
Following the argument, Aravind allegedly came to Aladakatti village, stabbed his mother-in-law, and fled the scene.
Police said the accused later posted a WhatsApp status: “Today jail, tomorrow bail. I won’t spare you.”
He was later arrested. A case has been registered at Murugod Police Station, and further investigation is underway.
