No Plans To Set Up Separate Clusters For Settlement Of Kashmir Pandits : CM Mufti Sayeed

09 April, Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed has said that BJP-PDP government in the State has no plans to set up separate clusters for settlement of Kashmiri Pandits in the Kashmir Valley.

Sayeed informed the State Assembly today that the Kashmiri Pandits are a part and parcel of the traditional Kashmiri ethos and they would be reintegrated into their native places as a part of the society and not as an isolated community.

He further said that during his meeting with the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi recently, he had told the later that Kashmiri Pandits are a part of the composite culture of the State and they cannot live in separate colonies.

The Chief Minister maintained that his government has a proposal for developing modern colonies in the Kashmir Valley but they would not be exclusively for the displaced Kashmiri Pandits.

In the State Assembly today, the opposition had demanded the Chief Minister to clarify the government’s stand on the issue.

Refuting the media reports the Chief Minister said that an impression is being created by certain quarters regarding establishment of exclusive habitations for Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley which is mis-campaign as well as an exaggeration of the issue.

He said that BJP-PDP government in the State is committed to facilitate the dignified return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits in the valley and asked mainstream political parties as well as separatists to co-operate the government in its efforts and not to play politics on the issue.

He also assured the House that his government would take on board all the stakeholders before taking any decision on the issue.