Jammu Kashmir CM supports the return of Kashmiri Pundits

Jammu: The fear that the return of Kashmiri Pundits in Jammu & Kashmir will cause demographic changes proves unfounded. And therefore, all should welcome the return of our brothers who form an integral part of Kashmiri society, expects Mehbooba Mufti, the Chief Minister of state. Saying that everyone should understand Article 370 which gives a special status to Kashmir she has criticised the secessionists, opposing the return of Kashmiri Pandits.

While speaking in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Mehbooba Mufti was forthright in welcoming the return of Kashmiri Pundits. Anybody can get settled in Jammu and anybodyshould be allowed to get settled in the Kashmir valley too. Kashmiri Pundits were a part of our society. This society got educated by Kashmiri Pundits. There was so much of unity amongst the Kashmiri people that they could move around in their homes.. And if so, than why should there be fear that the return of Kashmiri Pundits may cause demographic changes in the state, asked Mehbooba Mufti, the Chief Minister.

Since last few months efforts are being made to rehabilitate the Kashmiri Pundits in Jammu and Kashmir and the Central Government had put up a plan of developing independent localities for them. While the work is about to begin, this is being strongly objected by the separatists in Jammu and Kashmir who are alleging a conspiracy behind this plan to cause demographic changes in this state. Some other political parties in Jammu and Kashmir too have opposed it. However, the Chief Minister strongly opposing such sentiments stood by the plan by clarifying the government’s stand.

We should very well understand the rationale behind Article 370 that gave a special status to Jammu-Kashmir. This special authority is given to keep intact the culture and brotherhood, reminded Mehbooba Mufti.

In the decade of 1980 and thereafter the Kashmiri Pundits, with a feeling of insecurity, had to migrate in large numbers thanks to terrorism and fundamentalists. A well planned conspiracy by Pakistan was behind it and Pakistan had made it happen by rooting terrorism. However, even after continuously demanding rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir, enough efforts are not been taken for doing so, criticizes the Kashmiri Pandits organization strongly. Although the political parties from the state are not opposing their demand yet they are against forming independent settlements for Kashmiri Pundits, claims some of the parties. However, the Chief Minister has herself supported this plan.

Alongwith it, the Central Government would compensate for those who lost their sight suring the violent protests that took place on killing Burhan Vani, such an important announcement was made by Mehbooba Mufti.