National Conference calls for return of Pandits

Jammu, December 11

The minority cell of the National Conference (NC) on Saturday passed three resolutions, which among others called for return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley and their political empowerment.

The resolutions, which also demanded passage of a bill for managing the affairs of temples and shrines of the community, were presented at the start of the day-long convention chaired by party president Farooq Abdullah here.

“The Kashmiri migrant Pandit community is yearning for their honourable return and rehabilitation for the past three decades. The issue is very important,” senior leader Anil Dhar said as he presented the “politically important” resolutions that were passed by a voice vote.

NC chief Farooq Abdullah said nothing could stop Pandits from returning to their native land and the conspirators of their “ethnic cleansing” would never get J&K. He, however, said time was not ripe for their return because of the hatred between two communities in the Valley that is “deliberately created” over the years by the “vested interests” for political gains.

“(Kashmiri) Muslims did not drive you out from your homes…those behind it were thinking Kashmir will be theirs by this ethnic cleansing. Even if the sky and the earth meet, J&K will never be theirs,” the former CM said in an apparent reference to Pakistan. Kashmiri Pandits migrated in the wake of militancy in early 1990s.

Without naming any party, Abdullah said, “Big promises were made to you by those treating you as just a vote bank. They have not fulfilled a single promise.”

“Our culture, language and way of living is the same and we are one. I have never distinguished between a Hindu and a Muslim,” the NC leader said, adding, “Nobody wants to name (ex-Governor) Jagmohan who arranged transport (for their migration) and promised to ensure their return within two months...instead allegations are levelled against me.” — PTI

Ready to share road map: Dhar

• Senior leader Anil Dhar says the National Conference has the road map and it is ready to share the same with the Centre.
• Party's minority cell chief MK Yogi says massive turnout of Pandits in the convention should serve as an eye-opener to those projecting that the community is not with the party.
• The convention expresses grief over the tragic death of General Bipin Rawat and others in a chopper crash.

Talks with Pakistan must to end militancy, says Farooq

• Terming the killing of two police personnel by terrorists in the Valley a sad story, Farooq Abdullah says there is no way out except holding talks with Pakistan to end militancy in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Taking exception to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s statement that namaz in the open will not be tolerated, the National Conference chief asks him to provide space for prayers.

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