Pandits express concern over govt apathy

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 24

Expressing concern over continuing unrest in the Kashmir valley, representative organisations of displaced Kashmiri Hindus today accused the Central and state governments of ignoring their plight, especially the Prime Minister package employees. The organisations have decided to jointly raise the issues concerning Pandits at national and international forums.

In a meeting attended by representatives of various organisations, it was also decided to jointly fight for the cause of displaced community. They also expressed concern over the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh over the mob attacks on the community which forced hundreds of employees to leave the Valley.

“All organisations have decided to come together and form a cohesive conglomerate under the banner of All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC), keeping in view the emerging political situation in J&K. The time has come to unite and fight for our cause,” said Ravinder Raina, president, ASKPC.

Pandit organisations have resolved to highlight the misinformation campaign launched by radical elements in Kashmir about the exodus of the minority community and distortion of historical facts.

“We have also decided to press for passage of the Temple Bill in the Legislative Assembly for safeguarding the shrines and religious places in the Valley which are being vandalised and slowly being encroached by land mafia,” said HN Jatto, a senior community leader.

The representatives also expressed grave concern over continued violence in the Valley and open appearance of armed militants in rallies in south Kashmir. “Provocative slogans are being raised in rallies and at religious place and no action has been taken to prevent anti-national elements to mock the law and order authorities,” said TK Bhat, general secretary, ASKPC.

Meanwhile, employees under the banner of All Migrant Employees Association Kashmir continued their protest demanding adjustment of the PM package employees outside the Valley till a comprehensive plan for return and rehabilitation for displaced Pandits could be framed.

“The situation is turning very grave and the way militants are openly roaming in rallies and at funerals of killed utras, there is no guarantee of our safety,” said a protesting employe.