Settlement of Kashmiri Pandits: J&K CM making 'u-turn' on the issue, says APMCC

New Delhi, Apr 11: A Kashmiri Pandit (KP) group today staged a protest here accusing Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed of making a "u-turn" on his plans to build composite townships for their settlement.

The All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee (APMCC) also termed the coalition between PDP and BJP in Jammu and Kashmir an "artificial arrangement".

"Our struggle is against the artificial arrangement between the PDP, BJP and the Union Government. The way Mufti (Sayeed) is indulging in bluff he will be in trouble... If we return (to the Valley) how will the separatists blackmail the government," Sunil Shakdher of SK Foundation, an organisation working for the welfare of the migrant community, said.

Shakdher also warned the community against falling prey to the "false" promises of political parties and stressed that getting "recognised" as the rightful residents of the Valley was the need of the hour.

The protesters also burnt effigies of separatists and the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution at Jantar Mantar here. Another leader, Shiv Kumar Bhatt, urged the government to show political will and to avoid being dictated by the terms of the separatists.

"We will abide by any decision taken by the government of India after taking us into confidence. But AFSPA should not be revoked till the Pandits return to the Valley," Bhatt said.

APMCC chief Ravinder Pandita demanded that an apex committee of ground level organisations be formed and a comprehensive plan be issued by the state and the central governments for their rehabilitation.

"The Union government should not heed to separatists threats and should deliberate with like-minded parties in working out a workable and acceptable solution," he said.

At present, there are about 62,000 registered Kashmiri migrant families in the country, who have moved from the Valley to Jammu, Delhi and other parts of the country after the state was rocked by militancy in 1989.

The BJP-PDP alliance in Jammu and Kashmir has mentioned rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in their common minimum programme.

PTI