Ganderbal/Srinagar, June 09 (Scoop News) – “Kashmiriyat and Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits”, Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday said saying that the Government has initiated various measures to encourage the return of Kashmiri Pandits. However, he said that the restoration of security sense in migrants is prime ingredient in this regard while other facilities are of secondary importance. He said that Government was concentrating on both the aspects.
Talking to people and media persons at Kheer Bhawani, Wangat and Shallabug, Omar Abdullah said that the restoration of sense of security in Kashmiri Pandits is imperative for their return to the Valley.
The Chief Minister said that the conduct of peaceful and successful Panchayat elections, in which Pandit and Sikh candidates participated, should serve as catalyst in the ‘home coming’ of the migrants. He said State is witnessing improvement in the situation year after year and the increasing number of Kashmiri Pandits at Kheer Bhawani is all the more encouraging.
“Instead of seeing them coming from different and far-off places I wish seeing them at Kheer Bhawani Mela coming from their home places in a peaceful and amicable atmosphere”, he said.
In reply to a question, the Chief Minister said that he would ask the CID department to fast track the clearance of migrant youth newly appointed under the employment package so that their salaries are released early.
On the Protection of Temples Bill, the Chief Minister said that it was National Conference which mooted the Bill in the Assembly when it was in opposition. However, he said that certain Hindu leaders raised objections and cast aspirations on it. “We want unanimity of all in passing a legislation in this regard in the State Legislature”, he said advising the Kashmiri Pandit leaders to faster unity in this regard.
Paying tributes and offering fatiha at Baba Nagri Wangat, Omar Abdullah prayed for peace, brotherhood and prosperity of the State. He said peace and tranquility is must for all round development of the State and well being of its people.
“Dargahs of great saints are holly places where one should pray for the betterment, peace and progress for the country and the people”, he told a news channel in reply to a question.
Addressing a public gathering at Shallabug, Omar Abdullah said that Ganderbal has been a traditional bastion of National Conference since the time of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and it continues to be the fortress of this party.
The Chief Minister said that holistic and all round development of the State is his priority and Ganderbal will get its due share in the development process.
The Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisors to the Chief Minister, Mubarak Gul and Devender Singh Rana were accompanying the Chief Minister among others.