Kheer Bhawani (Ganderbal),May 29 (Scoop News) – JK Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday underlined the sense of security and economic safeguards basic elements to help return of Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) to their native land. He said government is focusing on both these crucial aspects adding that the prevalent peace and improved security situation is proving a catalyst in this process.
Omar Abdullah today visited Kheer Bhawani, interacted with the large number of KPs arrived here to participate in the religious ceremony of Zestha Ashtami being observed as Mela Kheer Bhawani. He exchanged wishes, enquired their welfare and extended greetings on the occasion. He also inspected various stalls installed by different government departments and others at the Mela.
Talking to media on the sidelines, the Chief Minister said that the economic package in the shape of employment to the youth of the Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley is an important step to help return of these families. He said while peace and security atmosphere is gaining ground gradually and State Government has implemented half of the employment package for Kashmiri Pandits, the situation is becoming more and more palatable for their return.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government is taking up the issue of enhancing financial support to Kashmiri Pandits to enable them construct their residential houses in the Valley. “A proposal will be discussed in the Cabinet in this regard and presented to the Government of India for release of funds”, he added.
Omar Abdullah said that the State Government is ensuring all facilities to the large number of devotees mostly Kashmiri Pandits to observe Zestha Ashtami at Kheer Bhawani. He said the remarkably increase registered in the number of Kashmiri Pandits visiting Kheer Bhawani during last some years is encouraging phenomenon. “Government would continue to work to improve the facilities for the large number of devotees visiting Kheer Bhawani”, he added.
The Chief Minister said that Kashmiri Pandits are integral part of the culture and ethos of Kashmir and Kashmiriyat. He said that their return to the Valley is the cherished goal and desire of the government and the civil society. He said the gradual improvement in the security situation and generation of economic avenues for this community would give required boost to the endeavours of the government to achieve this goal.
A large number of KPs from all across the Valley, Jammu and various parts of the Country arrived at Kheer Bhawani to participate in the religious ceremony of Zestha Ashtami.
Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla also visited Tullamulla ,Ganderbal to pay obeisance at the Mela Kheer Bhawani .
On this occasion a warm reception was accorded to Bhalla by the devotees and the local residents of the area including both minority and majority communities. The District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Showkat Ahmad Mir was also present on the occasion.
Bhalla besides, performing “Hawan” paid obeisance in the shrine of Matta Kheer Bhawani and prayed for peace and prosperity of the State
Bhalla also visited the different stalls installed by various organizations to facilitate the devotees who were come from different parts of State and the country.
Various deputations met the Minister on the occasion which includes migrant Pandits. The Minister gave patient hearing and gave on spot direction to concerned to redress their problems.
Bhalla took a separate meeting with district administration and reviewed the arrangements being made for the Kheer Bhawani Mela. He directed Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal to further improve the arrangements for the devotees in future.