West Bengal Muslims donate Muharram procession money for Hindu man's cancer treatment

Muharram procession in West Bengal's Kharagpur was not carried out as the Muslims there decided to cancel it for a cause.

The Muslims decided to not use the money for celebrations but donated the amount for the treatment of a Hindu neighbour who is suffering from cancer.

Samaj Sangha Club which organises Muharram procession in Kharagpur's Puratan Bazar, raised Rs 50,000 initially. In that amount, the Muslim community had plans for a joyous Muharram but it took a back seat for humanity to sit in front.

Thirty-five-year-old Abir Bhunia is a mobile recharge shop owner. He is suffering from Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is a cancer of the immune system. The amount of Rs 50,000 was donated to Abir, according to Hindustan Times.

ABIR, TREATMENT AND MUHARRAM

Bhunia is undergoing chemotherapy at Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre in Kolkata. He needs a massive sum of Rs 12 lakh. The treatment includes bone marrow transplantation.

"Muharram processions can be organised every year. But we have to save the life first," HT quoted Amjad Khan, secretary of Samaj Sangha.

"We have started raising money. On Friday, after the namaz we will ask the imam in the mosque to announce a donation drive for Abir. We hope to raise a bigger amount than the budget for our procession," Amjad Khan said.

Abir is full of gratitude and said, "I don't know whether I will be cured finally. But what my neighbours did for me have touched my heart."

Mohammad Bilal, a member of the Muharram committee of Puratan Bazar said, god would be satisfied "if we serve the people".

"He is suffering from cancer and fighting with death. We should stand by him," HT quoted Bilal.