Muslims in Ambari-Parerchar come forward during tragedyIn a powerful example of communal harmony, residents of Ambari-Parerchar village in Assam’s Bongaigaon district came together to perform the last rites of a young Hindu man according to Hindu traditions.
The village, which is mostly Muslim-populated, showed strong unity after the sudden death of Pratik Bhowmik, a Hindu youth from the same village. The incident has been widely appreciated as a symbol of mutual respect and brotherhood.Locals said the family of the deceased was deeply disturbed after the sudden loss, and neighbours stepped in immediately to support them.
Neighbours help family with cremation arrangements
Villagers not only offered condolences but also helped the grieving family in carrying out all funeral rituals.Muslim residents took responsibility for arranging the cremation and ensured that Hindu customs were fully respected. They also carried Pratik Bhowmik’s body on their shoulders to the cremation ground, reflecting deep emotional support for the bereaved family.
A local resident, Amar Ali, said the entire village wanted to send a message of unity.“We are deeply saddened by the death of Pratik Bhowmik. We want to show that there should be no division between Hindus and Muslims. We all came together to help perform his last rites with respect and dignity,” he said.
He added that the village prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for the grieving family.
‘We never saw each other as different,’ say villagers
Another resident, Abul Kalam Azad, said the people of the village have always lived like one community without religious barriers.
“Although Pratik was Hindu, we never saw each other as Hindus or Muslims. We have lived together for years and always stood by each other in difficult times,” he said.
He also shared that the village has long maintained strong social bonds, where people support each other during festivals, crises, and personal losses.
Azad said the contribution of Pratik’s family to the village was respected by all and his death had deeply affected everyone.
Message of unity and concern over division
Villagers also expressed concern over attempts by some groups to divide communities on religious lines. They said such efforts weaken society and destroy long-standing harmony.
Abul Kalam Azad urged people to protect peace in their surroundings and continue the tradition of mutual respect.
“We should remain united and not allow anyone to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims. Peace in our village must be protected,” he said.
A strong example of interfaith harmony in Assam
The gesture by the residents of Ambari-Parerchar has drawn praise across Assam and beyond. Many people described it as a reminder that humanity comes before religion.
Locals believe that such acts strengthen trust and peace between communities and help maintain social stability in rural areas.
