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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Delhi: Father, son held for killing 19-year-old woman in suspected honour killing
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Police has arrested a man and his son for allegedly murdering his 19-year-old daughter in west Delhi's Hari Nagar area, an official said on Friday.
The case first came to light on April 1 after a PCR call was received around 2 pm, alleging that a woman had been killed by her family members and her body was being taken for last rites, he said.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Maneer (55), a vegetable vendor, and his son Meraj Ali (19), were arrested in connection with the case, the officer said.
The victim had been in a relationship with a man from her native place for the past two years, which was opposed by her father, Maneer and brother Meraj, he said.
"When the girl did not end the relationship despite objections, the family killed her," the officer said.
On April 1, the police said that when their team reached the spot, they found that the woman's body was being taken for burial.
Acting on the input, the burial process was stopped over suspicion of honour killing.
"Police intercepted the family members and took possession of the body," he said.
Police said that the man who had made the PCR told them that the woman was in love with his cousin.
During the inquiry, police also interacted with the PCR caller, who said his cousin, a friend of the deceased, had informed him about the situation and suspected foul play, prompting him to alert the police control room.
The body of the woman was subsequently shifted to the mortuary of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for preservation and postmortem.
Police said that both the crime team and the forensic science laboratory (FSL) team were called to inspect the scene and collect evidence.
Police said that, as per the postmortem report, the cause of death was identified as smothering, indicating that the woman was suffocated.
A preliminary inquiry also revealed that the family had initiated preparations for the last rites soon after the woman's death, raising suspicion about the circumstances.
Initial investigation pointed to the family's opposition to the woman's relationship.
"The family members of the woman saw her with the man, and she was taken back home. We got to know that she was beaten up and even locked inside the house for some days," a source said.
Further investigation into the matter is underway, police added.
