Srinagar, June 11, 2019 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits, visiting the Kashmir valley in connection with Meala Kheer Bhawani, called on the Chairman of Hurriyat forum, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, at his Nigeen residence in Srinagar, today.
A statement issued by the forum after the meeting said that the delegation was led by Satish Kumar and Nathil Razdan who said they were a group of ordinary Kashmiris and were not affiliated with any organisation. Members of the delegation told the Mirwaiz that they and hundreds like them are extremely eager to return to their homeland and sought his help in this regard.
The delegation members said that they did not want to live in separate and segregated colonies as was being suggested by occupation authorities but like in the past wanted to live among all in common neighbourhoods. They said as land prices are much high than before, they will not be able to afford individual plots and homes, so they suggested that in each district of the valley some land may be allocated to them where they can build affordable flats in which they can live. They said members of other communities can also buy flats there if they want, adding that they do not want segregation but want to live together.
The delegation members told the Mirwaiz that they being a part and parcel of the Kashmir society and its composite ethos, are as much pained by what is happening in the occupied territory as their Muslim brethren. They said many claim to represent them, but in reality most are exploiting their situation and their deep emotional desire to come back, rather than doing much about it.
The statement said that the Mirwaiz told the delegation that he empathizes with their pining to return and assured them that all Kashmiri Muslims want them to come back and live together as before as Kashmir belongs to them as much as it does to those who did not leave. He assured them of all help and assistance in their suggestion which he said he found sincere and sensible. He said he will help in building a consensus around it among all segments of people and will try to bring others on board. At the end of the meeting it was decided that members of the delegation will stay in touch with the Mirwaiz and work on the idea to materialize it and take it forward.
For more information, contact:
Kashmir Media Service
Phone: +92-51-4435548, +92-51-4435549
Fax: +92-51-4861736
Email: info@kmsnews.org
Website: www.kmsnews.org