After the deadly terrorist attack in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir the country naturally grieved over the unjust loss of life and condemned the cowardly act. In the face of such crisis, many people stepped up to help not only the families of martryred soldiers but also Kashmiris who have become targets of verbal and physical abuse.
1. When DM of Bihar’s Sheikhpura district adopted the daughters of two martyrs
In a heartwarming gesture, DM Inayat Khan, of Bihar’s Sheikhpura district adopted the daughters of two CRPF jawans who were martyred during the attacks. She promised to support their education and living expenses, while also donating her two days’ salary to two grieving families.
Inayat Khan, DM Sheikhpura, Bihar: Orders issued to open account to raise funds for families of 2 martyrs (Constable SK Sinha from Patna&RK Thakur from Bhagalpur). Whatever amount will be collected by 10 Mar, will be divided&given to the two families. #PulwamaTerrorAttack (16.02) pic.twitter.com/unFD6G45uZ
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2019
She further urged people of her district to come forward and donate money for the families of the martyred jawans, and a bank account was set up for the same.
2. When a couple from Surat cancelled their wedding reception and donated 11 lakhs to families of the martyred jawans
When the news of the attack hit the nation, Seth and Sanghvi family from Surat decided to scale back the lavish wedding of their children Ami and Meet to honour the soldiers. They decided to donate ₹11 lakh to the families of the martyred jawans and in fact, forego the wedding reception completely.
After #KashmirTerrorAttack in #Pulwama, Surat families got together and canceled elaborate wedding in #Surat. The families to donate Rs 11 lakh to families of the martyrs and another Rs 5 lakh to welfare organizations. Wedding on Feb 15 to be low-key. #Gujarat
— Kumar Manish (@kumarmanish9) February 15, 2019
Respect. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/bGoPhIxGo3
3. When various celebrities from different industries offered financial assistance to the martyred soldiers’ families
Former cricketer Virender Sehwag promised to fund the education of the children of the martyred jawans, while boxer Vijender Singh – who now works with the Haryana Police – decided to donate his one month’s salary to the grieving families.
Nothing we can do will be enough, but the least I can do is offer to take complete care of the education of the children of our brave CRPF jawans martyred in #Pulwama in my Sehwag International School @SehwagSchool , Jhajjar. Saubhagya hoga 🙏 pic.twitter.com/lpRcJSmwUh
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) February 16, 2019
I’m donating my one month’s salary for the martyrs of #PulwamaTerrorAttack and want everyone to come forward and support the families. It is our moral duty to always standby them and make them feel proud of their sacrifices.
— Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) February 15, 2019
Jai Hind 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳#PulawamaAttack #PulwamaRevenge pic.twitter.com/b0oQVkxIRF
Even cricketer Shikhar Dhawan promised to offer a donation for the families, and urged others to do the same, as per their financial capabilities.
The film fraternity also came out in support of the families of the martyred jawans and offered financial assistance.
RSVP &Team URI committed Rs. 1 Cr to families of URI attack /Army Welfare Fund -will ensure part goes to victims #Pulwama ..but urge more to respond -in small lots – and also our Indian “Unicorns” to donate graciously @Paytm @Olacabs @Flipkart @amazon @narendramodi @anandmahindra
— Ronnie Screwvala (@RonnieScrewvala) February 16, 2019
4. When Khalsa Aid rushed to the rescue of Kashmiri students under attack from angry mobs
When Kashmiri students across the nation were allegedly under attack from angry mobs, Khalsa Aid coordinated with the Jammu and Kashmir Students’ Organisation (JKSO) to help arrange safe transport, food, and shelter for the students. Many gurudwaras also sheltered students and traders seeking respite from the crowd.
Transport arrangements are also being made for the students who want to go home.Parents need not to worry as the are so many panjabis to make sure every Kashmiri is safe here.@RaviSinghKA @ndtvindia @BBCHindi @THNewDelhi @CNN #khalsaaid #onelove #kashmiri @Khalsa_Aid #Humanity pic.twitter.com/CUGCg7Gntl
— Amarpreet Singh (@amarpreet1313) February 18, 2019
Kashmiri students,who studies in punjab,dehradun nd other states,came to gurudwara singh shaheeda bcoz of insecurities faced.all facilities provided to them nd @Khalsa_Aid provided them transportation to j&k nd assured security frm punjab police#PulwamaAttack#Prabhas pic.twitter.com/VI8Wij43VE
— Harpreet Kaur Narwal (@HarpreetPrabhas) February 19, 2019
5. When various organizations and individual citizens came forward to offer help to distressed Kashmiris
In the wake of the attacks, many Kashmiri traders and students were allegedly under attack from angry mobs within the country itself. In such trying times both organization and individuals offered support, dispelled rumors, and shared helpline numbers (along with #SOSKashmir) on social media.
Already I have tweeted but again tweeting – I stay in Delhi west and can accept 4 guys at my place. You just have to DM me your details/contact number & I’ll come to pick you guys. No worries for food & safety !! #SOSKashmir
— Kumar Amit (@Ikumar7) February 16, 2019
If any Kashmiri student need my help in delhi or MP plz do DM me.
— Devashish Jarariya (@jarariya91) February 16, 2019
Will do every possible thing #SOSKashmir
Students & #Kashmiris living in Pune can DM me if in case they need any help or feel unsafe. I want you to know that my door is always open. I can offer nice coffee, we can cook something together, watch movies & you can teach me how to make Kahwa.Plz don’t hesitate!🖖#SOSKashmir
— Shantanu (@aeroshantanu) February 16, 2019
J&K #Police has established a #helpline for the #assistance of #Students/#generalpublic who are presently staying outside J&K in case they find any difficulty. You can call us for any kind of assistance on 0194-2451515. @JmuKmrPolice
— Kashmir Zone Police (@KashmirPolice) February 16, 2019
Students & #Kashmiris living in mumbai can DM me if in case they need any help or feel unsafe. my door is always open. U can stay with me till the time u want. I will protect u guys. #SOSKashmir
— 🅿️⚽⚽🌱🅰🅰🎵🎷 (@Pooraanj_) February 16, 2019
#Kashmiri students and general public, presently out of #kashmir can contact @CRPFmadadgaar on 24×7 toll free number 14411 or SMS us at 7082814411 for speedy assistance in case they face any difficulties/harrasment. @crpfindia @HMOIndia @JKZONECRPF @jammusector @crpf_srinagar pic.twitter.com/L2Snvk6uC4
— CRPF Madadgaar (@CRPFmadadgaar) February 16, 2019
If any #Kashmiri is facing problem in #Delhi. Connect with me. My place is open. You can stay with me and I cook reasonably well. In case I can’t, I’ll get you someplace else. DM / email me.
— Aniruddha Ghosal (@aniruddhg1) February 16, 2019
Security has been strengthened all across the National Capital including minority dominated areas. Visibility of police personnel has been increased. We’ll ensure the safety and security of every citizen including Kashmiri inhabitants and students living in Delhi.
— Madhur Verma (@IPSMadhurVerma) February 16, 2019
While the anger and hurt that each citizen feels at this dastardly act is natural, it is important – especially in such dire situations – to not let heightened emotions and foreign influence wreck havoc with national unity and harmony. In fact, this is the time where humanity should stand above everything else and these acts prove it more than anything else.