CM slams separatists, mainstream camps for opposing Pandits’ return

Arteev Sharma 

Tribune News Service 

Jammu, January 16

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today hit out at separatists and mainstream leaders for opposing the resettlement of displaced Kashmiri Pandits in the Kashmir Valley and questioned how their return would change the demography of the region.

She also asked the people (obliquely referring to the separatist camp) to understand the depth of Article 370 that grants special status to J&K, saying: “It (Article 370) is not only about special status of J&K but it is more about securing our culture and brotherhood”.

“Everyone — be it Pandits, Muslims or Gujjars — can reside and settle in Jammu. In Kashmir, they say the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their land will change the demography. They provided education to our children and they are the part of our culture. How could their return change the demography of Kashmir?” Mehbooba said while winding up the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s Address in the Legislative Council today. 

She questioned, “Where are we heading? Such things might happen in Afghanistan, Syria and Israel but this is not part of Kashmiriyat. Now, it appears that Jammu has become Kashmir as it has accommodated all sections of society. Jammu has espoused the culture and brotherhood of Kashmir. We are opposed in Kashmir when we talk about the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. Leave aside others, even mainstream leaders raise their voice that it would change the demography of the region”.

“It is high time we understood the depth and real spirit of Article 370,” the Chief Minister said, adding that “Article 370 is not only about securing the special status of J&K but it is more about securing the culture and brotherhood. It (Art 370) is not any other entry in the rule book but it has to be understood in depth and with perspective”.