Accelerate process of returning Kashmiris home: Prof Soz

New Delhi, Sep 7 (UNI) Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz has stressed the need to accelerate the process of returning Kashmiri migrants to their homeland, stating that "militancy has been a sad chapter" which has brought havoc to "the culture, literature and natural resources of Kashmir".

Speaking at an interactive session of the Kasheer Foundation here last night, the Prof admitted that it may take some time to ensure the return of migrants to their homes with dignity. "We need to create a conducive and cordial atmosphere for this purpose" he said.

Several leading Kashmiri academicians and litterateur including Prof Badri Raina, theatre personality M K Raina, filmmaker Arun Kaul, P N Jalali and others attended the function, which was chaired by the Foundation's Secretary General Riaz Punjabi.

Prof Soz said the valley had been a symbol of secularism for centuries. Migration had tilted social equilibrium and needed to be restored immediately he said.

He said there was an urgent need to take effective measures for preserving the famous Dal Lake and talks were on with authorities in Finland to accord it a World Heritage status. He also articulatde the need for preserving other water bodies against dire encroachment.

During the session, noted journalist P N Jalali referred to the role played by the Pandits and Muslims to defend the state against tribal invaders in 1947. He lamented that no information was available on the heroic role of the militia in pushing back the invaders.

Mr M K Raina said Kashmir was losing its cultural identity.

He noted that no cultural and literary activity had taken place in the valley for the past 17 years due to the continuing violence.

Prof Badri Raina also advocated the need for a closer interaction among various communities of the valley. "This is necessary for removing apprehensions in the minds of certain people" he said.

Mr Riyaz Punjabi said that violence had blurred "our culture and tradition" and collective efforts should be made to restore it.

Prof Pankaj Bhan explained the objective of the Kasheer Foundation, which seeks to strengthen the pluralistic traditions and composite culture of Kashmir.

UNI SMA PB DS1350