March 21, 2008	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 12, 1429

SHIKARPUR, March 20: Sharing sentiments with the Hindu community here on Thursday, many Muslim traders and shopkeepers kept their businesses closed as a mark of respect on the occasion of funeral of a Hindu spiritual leader.

The mortal remains of Saeen Baba Shev Bhajan, the custodian of Puj Udasin Samadha Ashram Temple in Shikarpur, were cremated here on Thursday morning.

The Saeen Baba had died of cardiac arrest at a hospital in Pune, India, on Tuesday. He was 55. His body was brought to Shikarpur by air on Wednesday.

The sandal wood and butter were used in the Agni Sanskar (cremation) which was attended by thousands of people from Sindh, Balochistan and other parts of the country as well from India.

The Hindu community of Shikarpur district has announced three-day mourning during which they will keep their shops and business closed.

Many Muslims closed down their shops and business on the day of Agni Sanskar as a mark of respect for the holy personality.