Pandits need not wait for K-resolution to return home: Mirwaiz

Srinagar: Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday said Kashmiri Pandits are an inseparable part of Kashmiri society and their return to the Valley should not be linked to resolution of Kashmir issue.Addressing a Friday gathering at Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz welcomed the “huge” participation of Kashmiri Pandits at Mela Khir Bhawani festival yesterday and appealed members of the minority community living outside to return home. “We have always maintained that Kashmiri Pandits are an inseparable part of society and their return should not be linked to the resolution of Kashmir issue.  No one here says that they should return only when the Kashmir issue is resolved,” Mirwaiz said and appealed migrant Pandits to return.He said the manner in which Kashmiri Pandits were welcomed by Kashmiri Muslims   at Khirbhawani yesterday shows that Kashmir’s traditional amity and harmony is intact. “Every Kashmiri Muslim is in favour of their return and i hope that sensible Pandits will defeat the designs of communal and divisive forces who want to create a gulf between the two communities.”Mirwaiz said Kashmiris harboured no animosity against the people of India which was evident from the “hospitality shown year after year by people here towards Amarnath yatris.”Mirwaiz said resolution of Kashmir issue according to the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris was imperative for peace between India and Pakistan. “For peace and prosperity of the entire region steps need to be taken immediately to resolve the Kashmir issue within a set timeframe,” he said.Expressing his concern over leaders of India and Pakistan exchanging “rhetorical statements” against each other’s country, Mirwaiz said the media on both sides must stop “propaganda” in the wider interests of both the countries. “Media on both sides should refrain from jingoistic propaganda against each other’s country and play its role in normalizing relations,” he said.Mirwaiz also expressed concern over the declining female ratio while announcing to launch a vigorous awareness and corrective campaign on the issue.As part of the Mutahida Majlis Ulema’s efforts to “eradicate social evils from the society”, gatherings will be held at Masjid Baba Dawood Khakhi , Kathi Darwaza and Masjid Hazrat  Tajuddin, Nowhatta on June 12 and 16.