Kashmiri Pandit women in traditional attire attend the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave held in Srinagar.
By Tehelka Web Desk
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, on Saturday said the government is planning to set up an apex committee to facilitate the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the Global Kashmiri Pandit Conclave at SKICC in Srinagar, Wani said the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to creating conditions that would encourage the return of the displaced community and help rebuild social harmony.
He said the proposed committee would focus on issues related to the return, rehabilitation and reintegration of Kashmiri Pandits.
“We want our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters to return to their homeland. They should leave behind old grudges and reconnect with their roots and heritage,” Wani said.
Kashmiri Pandits migrated from the Valley during the peak of militancy in the early 1990s, and their return has remained a key social and political issue over the years.
Wani also spoke about the long-pending restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, expressing confidence that the Centre would fulfil its commitment.
“We trust the promise made by the Government of India. We were told there would be a three-stage process — delimitation, elections and then restoration of statehood. The first two steps have already been completed and now we are waiting for the fulfilment of the third promise,” he said.
His remarks come shortly after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has renewed discussion over the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
