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| KPs averse to return, seek abrogation of Art 370 | | |
Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, June 20: To set its return formula in motion Union Home Ministry convened a meeting with leaders of various KP organizations here today.
The Government was represented by R.K. Srivastava Joint Secretary Home Ministry and Director Kashmir Affairs Home Ministry. The KP leaders who attended the meeting included Moti Koul President All India Kashmiri Samaj, Kundan Kashmiri president KPC, Sunil Shakdhar ex-President Delhi Samiti, M.K. Kaw former President AIKS, S.K. Gudoo a BJP leader and M.L. Raina Vice-President KPC.
The Kashmiri Pandit leaders made it clear to Union Home Ministry team that situation was not conducive for the return of displaced Pandits to Valley as there is no shift in ground situation which existed during 90's. They said it is not only the financial issue which is involved for the return and rehabilitation of KPs in Valley but their security concerns are of paramount importance and needed to be redressed first.
They said that in this regard Government should work for confidence building measures (CBMs) among the community and also take steps for abrogation of Article 370, the main cause of all problems in Kashmir. KPC President Kundan Kashmiri made it clear to the Union Home Ministry team that abrogation of Article 370 will act as a main CBM for return and rehabilitation of KPs to Valley. He said the Government should first constitute an enquiry commission to probe the reasons for the mass exodus for KPs and punish those forces who were responsible for it. However, the Union Home Ministry Officials said that they are the political issues and can be dealt at political level only and their immediate task is to provide a feedback to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitely about the response of community to the rehabilitation formula. Moreover, they have been asked to discuss the financial aspects of the same with the community. Sunil Shakdhar and S.K. Gudoo supported the views of Kundan Kashmiri who also strongly advocated for carving out of a separate homeland or Kashyap State within Valley for rehabilitation of Pandits. However, M.K. Kaw said the situation has totally changed in Valley and the Government should call a Joint Session of Parliament to discuss Kashmir issue and rehabilitation of Pandits in Valley.
Moti Koul stressed on grant of minority status to community and demanded its empowerment by giving it representation in state Legislative Assembly and Parliament. He said AIKS had already submitted its response to Government on rehabilitation of community in Valley. The issue of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Temples bill also came into discussion with Union Home Ministry team and KP leaders expressed their concern over J&K Government's apathy towards it. |
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