Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 27: A delegation of Kashmiri Pandit entrepreneurs called on National Conference President and Member of Parliament, Dr Farooq Abdullah to apprise him about the issues they face and pledged their support to the Gupkar Declaration.
The visiting delegation, led by Umesh Talashi, comprised of Sameer Koul, PL Talashi, SK Bhat, Sahil Koul, Amit Koul and others accorded full support to the Gupkar Declaration and the efforts of NC President for the restoration of the Articles 370, 35-A. The delegation also acknowledged the historical role played by NC towards the socio-political emancipation of the people of J&K.
While addressing the delegation, Dr Farooq Abdullah said that he was very appreciative of the fact as to how the Pandit community has upheld their culture and cherished their language for all these years living outside the Valley. “Kashmiri Pandits, it goes without saying, are the vital part of our pluralistic culture and ethos. The community has immensely contributed to the cultural life of Kashmir through ages. Known for their learning and erudite disposition, Kashmiri Pandits despite facing many oddments have brought laurels home. The way Pandits living across the world are safeguarding their culture and language is appreciable. I look forward to times when both Kashmiri Muslim and Pandit communities will live next to each other in the Valley as they have been historically. We have much in common besides language. It is this aspect that makes us inseparable,” he said.
Delegation members recognized the enduring efforts of NC towards upholding the communal harmony, integrity and unity of J&K, saying the NC leadership has always been emblematic of J&K’s shared history and culture.
The visiting delegation apprised the party president about various predicaments which the Kashmir migrant Pandits are facing at Jagti camp in Jammu. While interacting with the president, they drew his attention towards the paucity of various civic amenities at Jagti camp. They also raised the issue of COVID-19 spreading within the Jagti camp and expressed disappointment over lack of measures to contain the spread.
They also brought to the notice of the NC President various issues including allocation of residential quarters to KP employees at Vessu, who are suffering on account of allocation of these quarters to political workers. The visiting delegation also drew the attention of NC President towards other issues that have direct bearing on the daily lives of Kashmiri Pandit community.
Farooq Abdullah gave a patient hearing to the visiting delegation and took note of predicaments the community is facing, promising to bring it to light at every forum.
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