Centre should facilitate our return, say Pandits

M Aamir Khan

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, June 17

The displaced Kashmiri Pandits participate in Mela Kheer Bhawani every year, but this time they felt more comfortable when they arrived at Tulmulla in Ganderbal district to celebrate the festival.

They said the response from local Muslims was very encouraging this year and time was right to take firm steps to facilitate their return to the Valley.

“This time, we received calls from the civil society and even some politicians that we should come to Tulmulla as it (Kashmir) was our real home. Moreover, the government had arranged free buses for the pilgrims from Jammu as well as New Delhi. Free buses were also available from migrant camps in different districts of Kashmir. Locals also provided water and fruits to them on their way to Tulmulla. There was a lot of goodwill. The overall situation was comparatively better this time,” said Ajay Pandita, a devotee.

Rajeev Dhar, who lives in New Delhi but originally hails from Kanipora, Baghat area of the summer capital, said, “We were halted by the police (for routine security checks) on our way to Tulmulla. However, a group of locals were quick to intervene and pointed out that we were pilgrims and should not be put to inconvenience. This was a nice gesture on their part. We received similar hospitality from others and we feel the time is right for the Centre to initiate steps to send us back to our homeland.”

Ravinder Raina, another devotee, said the locals and the civil society should continue to play a positive role to facilitate their return.

“We received a good response but the civil society and locals have to come forward in a big way so that we are able to return home. The government has to provide us accommodation as most of us had sold our properties in Kashmir,” he said.

Umar Bhat, state coordinator of the Future Forum International, said both communities needed to look at the future with a positive approach. “We have to move forward with a positive mind. A large number of Muslims came to Tulmulla to extend solidarity to the Pandits and make them feel at home. We have to work jointly so that a conducive atmosphere is created,” he said.