'Pandits welcomed, but not separate homeland'

Srinagar, Apr 19: Chairman of the breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) Syed Ali Shah Geelani said the people of the Kashmir valley will welcome the return of Pandit migrants to their homes.

However, any move to settle them in a separate homeland will be opposed, he said.

We will be more than happy if Pandits migrants return back to their homes and live with their muslim brethern once again, Mr Geelani said to a delegation of Hindu Welfare Society of Kashmir.

However, Mr Geelani said to delegation members led by vice president K L Manjoo that any move to settle the migrants in a separate homeland will be opposed by the people of the valley.

He alleged that nobody was safe in Kashmir in the presence of lakhs of Indian security forces who have established camps all over the valley.

''Once the Indian security forces leave the valley, the security of life and property of non muslims will be assured by muslims'', he said.

Mr Geelani said the people of the Kashmir have launched their struggle against the Indian '' occupation'' and not against any religion or people of India.

He said the HC was demanding right to self determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir irrespective of cast, creed, colour or religion.

Earlier, Mr Geelani addressed anti election campaign meetings in Pattan constituency, going to polls alongwith Rafiabad and Sangrama on April 24.

He appealed to people to stay away from the poll process.

UNI