Kashmiri Pandits flay attack on transit camps in Valley

Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 10

There has been widespread condemnation of mob attacks on Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley. The community said with the attacks, separatist parties have made their intention clear towards minority Hindus.

Various representative organisations have demanded additional security for the employees, especially living at transit camps in the Valley, which have been facing repeated stone-throwing by mobs.

The Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS) has termed the situation grim and an attempt to force another exodus. “Hundreds of youths returned to the Valley with a hope that they can again live there but recent targeted attacks have dashed every effort in this direction,” said RK Bhat, president, YAIKS.

The Kashmiri Pandit Sabha (KPS) has also condemned the stone-throwing incidents at the Haal transit camp. “The camp was under siege and a majority of the vehicles parked in the compound were extensively damaged due to heavy stone-throwing”, said KK Khosa, president KPS.

He said the incident had completely demoralised the residents and created a sense of fear and helplessness amongst them.

All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) has also demanded safety of the minority community. “We appeal to the government to shift Pandit employees to Jammu till normalcy. Many of the women employees are quite frightened by the situation,” said Ravinder Raina, president, ASKPC.

Conference general secretary TK Bhat also expressed concern over tweets of former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the killing of a dreaded militant by security forces.

Meanwhile, employees appointed under Prime Minister’s Employment Package (PMEP) in the Valley have strongly condemned the repeated incidents of stone-throwing at migrant transit camps and urged the Centre and state governments to ensure safety of all Kashmiri Pandits working across the Valley.

“If no measures are taken in this regard, we would be forced to quit our jobs. There is shortage of essential commodities and medicines in the camps due to which women and children are facing worst kind of situation,” said Rubin Saproo.