Resolution on return of Pandits fails to impress non-migrants

M Aamir Khan

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 20

Non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits living in the Valley are not much impressed with the resolution seeking the “respectable” return of migrants to Kashmir that was passed in the state Assembly yesterday. 

While some termed it a mere eyewash, others said the legislators were only doing lip service with regard to the return of Pandits and had even failed to rehabilitate those who did not migrate out of Kashmir after the eruption of militancy more than 27 years ago.

“The resolution doesn’t matter. Who passed it matters… it includes even those (legislators) who supported the separatists when they opposed setting up of colonies for migrants. Are these politicians ready for door-to-door canvassing (in Kashmir) to mobilise support for return of Pandits? They only do lip service and on the ground no concrete measures are taken,” said Kashmir Pandit Sangharsh Samiti president Sanjay Tickoo.

Hindu Welfare Society, Kashmir, president Chunni Lal Bhat said the ruling and opposition parties lacked the courage to bring back Pandits and had even failed to rehabilitate non-migrants. “The passing of the resolution is a mere eyewash… they only talk about the return of Pandits every now and then but fail to take concrete steps on the ground. They only play the Kashmiri Pandit card for political gains and don’t have the courage to get them back,” he said.

“The government has even failed to implement employment package for non-migrants.” Bhat added.

However, United Kashmiriyat Forum chairman Bharat Raina said the resolution must be appreciated. “We must appreciate the resolution. At least there is an effort… Those who say the Pandits must resettle in their earlier homes must know that they do not own these properties anymore,” Raina said.