Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the importance of security for the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to their native places. He stated that while the government is focused on safeguarding their religious sites, ensuring a secure environment is crucial for the community’s repatriation. Abdullah addressed the Legislative Assembly, acknowledging the reality of the Kashmiri Pandits’ displacement and the ongoing efforts to facilitate their return.
The Chief Minister mentioned that despite previous initiatives by governments to support the community’s comeback, the current security situation has not instilled enough confidence for their resettlement. He stressed the need to rebuild the sense of security among Kashmiri Pandits before a substantial return can occur. Abdullah emphasized that without restoring this confidence, expecting a realistic repatriation would be challenging.
Omar Abdullah informed the House about the government’s measures to protect properties belonging to the displaced community and the preservation of their religious sites. He discussed past legislative attempts to introduce bills for safeguarding such properties, noting the importance of broader consensus to prevent divisions within the community. The Chief Minister also underscored the significance of portraying stories of communal harmony and protection alongside challenges faced by the Kashmiri Pandits.
The government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and security of the displaced community was reiterated by Abdullah. He affirmed the administration’s dedication to creating conditions conducive to the safe and dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland. The forced exodus of thousands of Kashmiri Pandits due to terrorism in the early 1990s remains a poignant chapter in the region’s history.
