Bani (J&K): Amid the devastation caused by recent heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir, a heartening example of communal harmony has emerged from Bani in Kathua district. A Hindu family opened their home to shelter their Muslim neighbors, who lost their house in the floods.
Subash welcomed his neighbor, Javaid Ahmed, and his eight family members—including his father-in-law and two blind children—after their house was damaged in a flash flood on August 28.
Ahmed expressed deep gratitude, saying they had received little help except from Subash. “Our home was destroyed in the floods, and we had no place to go. We are living in Subashji’s house. They have given us two rooms on the first floor and moved themselves upstairs. We feel as if we are in our own home,” he said.
Praising the humanitarian gesture of their hosts, Ahmed added that they were also provided with ration and household essentials. He appealed to the government for relief and compensation for the loss of his home.
Local MLA Rameshwar Singh, who visited the families, lauded the act, saying it sends a powerful message. “Ahmed lost his house in the floods, and for the past week, his family has been living with Subashji. They have been told they can stay as long as needed,” he said.
The MLA noted that this is the true spirit of Jammu and Kashmir—unity in adversity and humanity above all. Officials confirmed that relief and rehabilitation measures are being intensified in flood-affected areas, but stories like this highlight the resilience and communal solidarity of local communities.
