KHUZDAR: The final rites of Maharaj Lakhmi Chand Garji, the custodian of Kali Mata Mandir, were carried out in Kalat on Saturday.

The religious leader died on Friday night at the age of 86.

Thousands of members of the Hindu community from across the country attended the rituals at Kali Mata Mandir.

The community has announced three days of mourning throughout the country.

Hindus shut their business centres and shops in Kalat and other parts of Balochistan to mourn the death of the religious leader.

Maharaj Lakhmi Chand Garji spent his entire life serving at Kali Mata Mandir.

In 2010, he was kidnapped by armed men who released him after 95 days.

Dr Ashok Kumar, former provincial minister for minority affairs Basint Lal Gulshan, Jay Prakash Narayan, Nanak Ram and Dr Murli Das were among the Hindu leaders who offered condolences over the death of Maharaj Lakhmi Chand Garji and termed it a great loss for the community.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2015

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