Return of Kashmiri Pandits to J&K Valley possible only with stakeholders' support: Advisor To Guv

Advisor to Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Farooq Khan, has said the complete return of Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) to the Valley is possible only with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders.  

"The complete return of Kashmiri migrants to the Valley is possible only with the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, including the civil society of Kashmir, who share a social and cultural bond with the Kashmiri migrants," Khan said on Thursday.  

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He said the government was committed to the safe return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley. Khan further said the process for the recruitment against 3,000 posts for the migrants and the construction of transit accommodations for the migrant employees serving in the Valley would start soon. The statement came in the wake of hopes for the return of over 3 lakh displaced pandits to the Valley after the scrapping of the special status for Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.

Around seven lakh-odd Kashmiri Pandits had to flee Kashmir Valley as a result of being targeted by JKLF and Islamist insurgents in 1989-90. Most families were resettled in Jammu, National Capital Region surrounding Delhi and other neighbouring states. However, following Home Minister Amit Shah's announcement, Kashmiri Pandits across India celebrated. 

Meanwhile, on August 15, Jammu and Kashmir Governor hoisted the national flag on the 73rd Independence Day. Terming the changes introduced by the Centre as "historic", Malik said they will open a new door of development and help various communities promote their languages and cultures in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. "These changes have removed the hurdles for economic development and prosperity, he said. Malik said it is surprising that in all the previous elections, focus of people was not brought on issues of 'Roti, Kapda aur Makaan (employment, clothing and housing)'. 

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The function was also attended by National Security Advisory Ajit Doval. Malik said the step will enable good governance, bring self-reliance and employment opportunities to people Jammu and Kashmir and most importantly the feeling of unity and equality with the rest of the country.