Lucknow: Even as parts of Uttar Pradesh simmer with communal tension, a village in Mathura district presents a shining example of communal harmony.

The village head of Sahaar village, Ajmal Ali Sheikh, has constructed a temple for his Hindu brothers in the village and the deities — Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman — were placed in it with proper religious rituals on Sunday.

Talking to reporters, Mr Sheikh said that his work ended with the construction of the temple and it was now the duty of the Hindus to take over.

“I decided to build a temple because I felt there was a need for one in the village. Women had to travel quite a distance to offer prayers during Shivratri. As village head, I took the initiative and spent about Rs 4 lakhs from my pocket,” he said.

Former UP minister Chaudhary Laxmi Narain, who earlier represented the Chhata assembly segment, said that Mr Sheikh had placed an example, which should be emulated by others.

“Such actions will bring the two communities closer and also create a bond that no outsiders will be able to destroy. Today, Hindus hold Sheikh in high regard and nothing can diminish that feeling,” he said.