JAMMU, JANUARY 05 (KMW): Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has reiterated his resolve to endeavour earnestly to regenerate sense of security in Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) and create palatable environments for their dignified and honourable return to their native land adding that Kashmir without Kashmiri Pandits is incomplete beyond any doubt.
However, the Chief Minister said that the return of KPs to the valley will not be under any compulsion or force. “They have to take a call in this regard by themselvesâ€, he said adding that consensus in making such a decision is very difficult and majority view of the people should be a guiding principle in making this decision.
Addressing the Convention of Kashmiri Pandits at Patta-Bohri near here, Omar Abdullah said that he will further intensify his efforts to seek better and more advantages socio-economic packages of rehabilitation from the Centre for the safe and secure return of KPs. “I will do whatever possible to upgrade the status of basic amenities being provided to KPs at various migrant camps in Jammuâ€, he added.
The Chief Minister said that Kashmiri Pandits left their native land as their sense of security was lost in the valley during militancy. “We have to work to make them regain this sense and create safe and secure atmosphere for them to return willinglyâ€, he said and maintained that till than the aspect of upgrading and improving the basics of life at the migrant camps cannot be ignored and his government would take all measures to better these.
Omar Abdullah said that KPs have undergone a difficult and challenging phase as also through a severe mental trauma during the 25 years of migration which not only shattered their economy but told upon badly on all aspects of life. He said the genuine leadership of KPs who lived with them as migrants and fought for their justice are their real well-wishers and friends but not those who have not experience the sting and mental trauma the community has undergone but come from outside the state to give them sermons without sharing their difficulties.
The Chief Minister said that though a forward step in the direction of return of KPs to the valley has been taken by earmarking government employment for their educated youth in Kashmir and about 1500 boys and girls of this community have taken up their jobs and are residing safely and peacefully with their Muslim brethrens but the beginning in this direction will be significant when the community decides holistically to return willingly and be the same part of the society as they were prior to migration.
Omar Abdullah said that he would continue to bat for getting further employment package for Kashmiri Pandits from the Centre and said that the enhancement of rehabilitation package and other perks to the community for their return and rehabilitation are vigorously being advocated at the Government of India level by his government.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to KPs for extended him heartiest welcome and exhibiting highest degree of love and affection for him which coincided with the completion of five years of his government in office. “I assure you of my fullest efforts to seek holistic welfare for you and for your youth in the coming yearsâ€, he said.
Earlier, the Chief Minister was clad with unique traditional turban of Kashmiri Pandits and extended welcome and gratitude by burning ‘Isband and Auad’ (fragrance giving seeds of a particular Kashmiri herb and the aroma giving dry secretion of a plant). He was also presented mementoes and showered flowers.
The Convention was organized by Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS) on ‘Future of Gen Next Kashmiri Pandits’. The Provincial President National Conference Kashmir, Nasir Aslam Wani, Legislator and Kashmiri Pandit leader, Vijay Bakaya, President Kashmiri Sabha, K. K. Khosla and President YAIKS, R. K. Bhat also spoke on the occasion. The religious leader Swami Kumar ji clad the Chief Minister with turban. (KMW)
