Return of Kashmiri Pandits possible if settled at 'separate place': ASKPC

Jammu, Sep 6 All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) today said the return of Kashmiri Pandits was possible only if they are settled at a 'separate place' in the Valley.

"Government of India (GoI) must realise that return of Pandits' to Kashmir shall only be possible if they are settled and rehabilitated at one place in Kashmir where there shall be free flow of Indian constitution," General Secretary, ASKPC, T K Bhat said.

Our president Ravinder Raina, who met all-party delegation headed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, raised this point in the meeting and submitted a memorandum which was signed by 16 Kashmiri pandit organisations, he said.

Bhat also demanded reservation in the state Assembly and Parliament for the pandit community.

"Left over properties, including shrines and temples, should be safeguarded from the onslaught of encroachers and destruction at the hands of fascist forces. Security cover should also be given to all renovated and functional temples by deploying Central Reserve Forces (CRF)," he said.

Vijay Bakaya, former chief secretary and advisor to National Conference President Farooq Abdullah said, "The meeting was very successful as the leadership of the community strongly raised the problems and issues of the community before APD".

The issue of the Kashmiri pandit employees serving in the Valley and sitting on a dharna for over 55 days here were also raised, he said.

ASKPC demanded that pandit employees, who migrated from Kashmir Valley after alleged mob attacks on their colonies during the present unrest, should be posted in Jammu in view of the fear psychosis.

PTI