Centre nudges PDP on colonies for Pandits

Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 28

In a bid to move the Jammu and Kashmir Government out of its slumber over the issue “fulfilling” the commitment of rehabilitation and resettlement of migrant Kashmiri Pandits, the Centre has asked the Mehbooba Mufti dispensation to share complete details of the land identified by the state for the proposed colonies.

Incidentally, the move comes amidst large-scale protests this week organised by the separatists against the plan to bring back migrants to the state.

Recently, the Mehbooba government had informed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) about identifying the tranches of land for the rehabilitation purpose. The communication does not dispel specific details like quantum of land, land records and location.

Considering that the information is incomplete for executing and implementing such a project, the MHA has now asked for letting it know the land records with their plot numbers, specific locations and present status of the land.

“The Centre has to provide funds for the project. It would be difficult for us to release resources unless specific details of the land identified by the state government are shared with the ministry,” a senior MHA official said.

Claiming that the protest against such a move by separatists and opposition National Conference are uncalled for, the MHA official said, “There is no proposal to set up exclusive townships and rather it would have a mixed population.”