Report by Sujah Baqal

After 29 years, Kashmiri Pandit returns to restart business in Srinagar.

Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandit shopkeeper Roshan Lal Mawa, 72 has returned to his roots after he was shot four times in the abdomen way back in 1990. He survived, had little choice than to close his establishment and migrate to Delhi.

For him the return journey in the Zaina Kadal area in the old city was no cakewalk.

On Wednesday, after 29 years, Mawa has returned to re-open his shop in Zaina Kadaland his return was being celebrated by locals, who tied the traditional welcome turban around his head and also around the head of his son, Dr. Sandeep Mawa, who helped to fulfill the old man’s desire to be back to where he belonged.

“I migrated to Delhi where I did good business. I own a house there, but all these 29 years, I have lived like a fish out of water. I always wanted to return to my home which is Kashmir.

“Our family has been in business in Zaina Kadal area of Srinagar for 500 years. My father had a shop in the ‘Gad-Kocha’ in Zaina Kadal. I have not slept a day during the last 29 years when I did not pray for my return so that I could again be among my Muslim friends and neighbours.

“The way the trader fraternity has welcomed me today proves that nothing has actually be lost,” Mawa said..