Srinagar: Kashmiri Pandits on Tuesday welcomed the Federal government’s commitment to ensure their return to Kashmir.
Various organisations representing Kashmiri Pandits have expressed satisfaction over the government’s plan to make their return possible to their homeland.
All Party Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC) chairman Vinod Pandit said, “We welcome the Centre’s move on return of the community to the land of their ancestors in Kashmir with full dignity, security and assured livelihood. But, there is a need to set up an apex committee of Kashmiri Pandits at the central level to hold discussions with the community over the plan of rehabilitation ahead of its implementation,” PTI quoted Vinod.
Lakhs of people of Pandits fled Kashmir Valley in 1990 after insurgency erupted in the valley.
Indian President, Pranab Mukherjee in his address to a joint session of both the houses of the Parliament said, “Special efforts will be made to ensure that Kashmiri Pandits return to the land of their ancestors with full dignity, security and assured livelihood.”
“There is an urgent need to undertake confidence-building measures before formulation of any plan for their return and rehabilitation,” Pandit said.
Jammu and Kashmir Vichar Manch leader RL Bhat expressed happiness over the statement. “Centre should hold talks. They should spell out the broader contours of the plan. Community should know what is happening,” Bhat told PTI.