Displaced Pandits seek restoration of statehood

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 14

The displaced Kashmiri Pandits have demanded the restoration of the statehood after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5.

“Our demand is give our statehood back. Give our Assembly the right to make independent decisions for us. Give us the right to protect our land and culture,” said coordinator for the Return & Rehabilitation Team for Kashmiri Migrants, Satish Mahaldar, in a statement.

Mahaldar had led a delegation of Pandits to the Valley twice this year in June and July and stated that 419 migrants were willing to return to Kashmir. The Pandit delegation had also turned up at the Mela Kheer Bhawani in Tulmulla, Ganderbal district, in the form of a yatra in June to give their message. Mahaldar also wrote an open letter to Kashmiris where he urged people, irrespective of their religion, to “fight for our identity”. “We pledge we will fight till we get our statehood back...we will continue to fight till our lands are protected, our culture and language are protected. Parliament should ensure this,” he added.