Bitta Karate says he is not ''killer'' of Kashmiri Pandits

Srinagar, Nov 6 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Farooq Ahmed Dar, Alias Bitta Karate, allegedly instrumental in the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in late 1980s, today said the members of the displaced community would be welcome if they want to return to their homes.

Dar also sought to clear his image as the ''killer of Kashmiri Pandits'' and refuted the allegations that he was involved in the massacre of members of the displaced community.

''If the Kashmiri Pandits want to return to their homes in the Valley, we will welcome them. As far as the killing of Kashmiri Pandits is concerned, the TADA court has already acquitted me of the charges in 20 cases,'' he told a news conference here.

Dar said Kashmiri Pandits were ''part and parcel'' of the ongoing ''freedom movement''.

''The Pandits have same rights over Jammu and Kashmir as the Muslims. We want them to come back and we will make serious efforts in this regard,'' he added.

Dar was a top militant commander of the JKLF when the pro-independence outfit was underground. The JKLF, headed by Yasin Malik, which spearheaded the ''movement'' for an independent Jammu and Kashmir, later declared a unilateral ceasefire in 1994 and decided to launch a non-violent struggle.

On October 23, a TADA court in Jammu granted bail to Dar, who faces 19 militancy-related cases, after remaining behind the bars at the Kot Balwal jail for 16 years. He was arrested by the BSF here on June 22, 1990.

Dar was handed over to his family members before the Id-ul-Fitr on October 25 and later joined the JKLF faction led by Javed Mir.

Several Kashmiri Pandit organisations, including the Panun Kashmir, had condemned his release from the jail.

UNI AG SB RAI1532