Wandhama carnage the last straw for Pandits

Bhat, a retired Post Master, said even though fear was invariably at the back of hismind during these nine years, the presence of his considerate Muslim neighbours helped him live through the phase. "After the Sangrampoora massacre, they used to come to my place everyday and ensure my safety," he said. Equally grateful was A K Bhat who served in the Education Department in the Valley and was posted at Kenhama for the last nine years. "I was always assured of full protection by my Muslim students and staff at the school," he said, adding that the Wandhama massacre had changed all that. "The carnage sent shock waves through the minority and the majority community in Kashmir. I was approached by my colleagues and the neighbours who expressed their helplessness in ensuring foolproof security," he said. A wave of pain surged through his face when he remembered the moment when his Muslim students helped him pack up his stuff for his painful journey out of his motherland. "They came to my place and carried out the packing with tears rolling down their eyes. I was really moved."

A K Bhat, likeothers, was also approached by the police for the purpose of shifting to the security zones. But he refused. "How can I lead a normal life when I am confined to the security zone. I have a three-year-old school-going son and I have to attend my office," he wondered.