Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: The Kashmiri Pandit Sabha has taken note of the statement made by National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, urging the UT Government led by Omar Abdullah and the people of Kashmir to work towards creating a secure and peaceful environment for the return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits (KPs).
The Sabha said the return of the community, forced to flee in the late eighties and early nineties due to fear and intimidation, cannot be achieved through rhetoric alone.
It stressed the need for sustained groundwork and a genuine political will to address the long-standing issue.
While acknowledging Dr Farooq’s stature as a senior leader in Jammu and Kashmir, the Sabha noted that six months have passed since the new Government took office, yet no concrete step has been taken so far for the return of the KPs.
It expressed disappointment that the annual budget made no mention of funds or plans for the rehabilitation of the displaced community, which could have signalled intent.
The Sabha said the Government must frame a comprehensive and realistic return policy in consultation with community representatives.
Referring to Dr Farooq’s remark that Pakistan must be urged to end its violent activities, the Sabha said the return of the community should not be linked to Pakistan’s conduct.
It maintained that the responsibility for resettlement lies squarely with the UT Government and must move forward regardless of external threats.
The Sabha also noted Dr Farooq’s reference to the April 8 article in Daily Excelsior, which underscored the need for joint efforts by the Government and community to restore the lost syncretic culture of the Valley.
While describing the statement as timely, the Sabha said past experience has shown that such words often do not translate into action.
It hoped that this time the efforts would be serious, inclusive and result-oriented.
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