Guv, Farooq pray for peace, return of Pandits

Tribune News Service
Tullamulla, June 10

Governor Satya Pal Malik and several other leaders, cutting across party lines, made a beeline to pay obeisance at the Mela Kheer Bhawani here on Monday to pray for peace and return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley.

“I congratulate the people who have come here today. I want the brotherhood as it is now to remain forever. I want the state to be prosperous and developed. The devotees have come in large numbers this year. This is the beauty of India, that we celebrate all festivals together. I was happy to know that people of Tulmulla lent their help on this occasion. I congratulate the people and the administration,” Malik said.

National Conference (NC) president and MP-elect Farooq Abdullah said he hoped for the return of Pandits. “It is good that Kashmiri Pandits have come here. I hope that God will bring them back soon....so that Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians live together,” he said after paying obeisance at the ancient temple.

Echoing similar views, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Ram Madhav said “I pray that more and more Pandits come here. I also pray for a dignified return to their homeland. We have vowed to establish peace and development in the Valley. We are thankful to the Muslims who help in making the festival a success. We are sure that more devotees will come for Amarnath Yatra too this year.”

J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president GA Mir interacted with the Pandits and also asked the party unit of Ganderbal to remain present at the temple to ensure that the devotees feel comfortable. He said the Mela was a “unique and pious occasion, which has always strengthened the bond of unity between Pandits and Muslims”.

Commander of 15 Corps Lt Gen KJS Dhillon said “We pray for peace, love and happiness in Kashmir. The event symbolises the true spirit of Kashmiriyat.”