Sikh trader sets example of interfaith harmony.

Byline: Ibrahim Shinwari

LANDI KOTAL -- A Sikh grocer in Jamrud Bazaar of district Khyber has set a good example of interfaith harmony by offering the commodities at his shot at subsidised rates to Muslim customers in the holy month of Ramzan.

Gurmeet Singh runs a grocery store at the main Jamrud Bazaar. His father Nirinjin Singh has carved out the idea of subsidising the prices of all those daily use commodities that were in high demand during the month of fasting.

Mr Singh's grocery store, situated adjacent to the main Jamia Masjid at the bazaar, sells out rice, flour, cereals, ghee and beverages and provides from 10 to 30 per cent discount to Muslim customers. The family has been in the grocery business for the last more than 40 years.

Khalsa Herdial Singh grocery store in Jamrud witnessed great rush during Ramzan because of low prices. It attracted the poor customers, some even from far flung villages. Around 150 traders belonging to Sikh community run grocery stores, one in Landi Kotal, eight in Jamrud Bazaar and 141 in Bara tehsil of district Khyber. 'My grandfather established this store over four decades ago,' said Gurmeet Singh, who had done his matriculation from Edwardes School in Peshawar.

Gurmeet Singh offers items at subsidised rate to Muslims in Ramazan

He had to abandon his schooling half way to assist his father.

Sikh community has been living in tribal districts for hundreds of years along with Muslims. Most members of Sikh community are affiliated with grocery business while some have different businesses in Karkhano Market.

Gurmeet Singh and his four younger brothers help their father in...