Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Oct 12: National Conference chief Dr Farooq Abdullah Saturday said that the new dispensation in J&K will strive hard to ensure dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits so that the old era of composite culture returns to the place.
Dr Farooq was speaking to media men on the sidelines of Dushera celebration at SK Stadium Srinagar. The event was organised by the Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS), a non-migrant Kashmiri Pandit Organised headed by Sanjay Tickoo.
“I am glad to be part of this event today. The event reminds us how truth won over evil when Ravan was defeated,” Dr Farooq said. He, however, said it was for the first time in five years he was invited to participate in Dushera event. “I was an MP for five years but was never invited. Today, they invited me and I am here,” he said.
Dr Farooq said that the new dispensation will ensure that all are taken on board bet that Kashmiri Pandits, Dogras, Kashmiris, Jammuites, Buddhists and others. “We want KPs to return and live a dignified life again. I believe time has come when they should return,” he said. “We want to tell Jammu people of Jammu that we are not their enemies. We want to take it all along and march ahead.”
He said NC has never treated Jammu people differently. “When rebels raided J&K, what was the slogan? People of all religions raised slogan: Hamlawar hosyar, hum Kashmiri hai tayar. (attackers, beware, Kashmiris are ready.”
The NC chief said another slogan was always raised when late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was in power. “Sher-e-Kashmir ka Irshad, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh itehad. We believe in this very slogan. This means to keep all sects and sections together,” he said.
Asked about whether political dignitaries have been invited for the oath ceremony, he said invitations have been sent to all but only dates need to be conveyed. “President’s rule has to end first. And let us get the date for the oath ceremony from Raj Bhawan,” he said. On who would be the ministers, NC chief said: “I can’t say that at this stage.”
Pertinently, yesterday evening, the Chief Minister designate Omar Abdullah presented the letters of support from NC, Congress, CPI(M), and four independents. He also staked a claim for government formation. Later, talking to reporters Omar said: “Oath ceremony may take a few days as LG office has to forward the papers to Rahstrapati Bhawan first and then to Home Ministry. J&K is a UT and under Centres’ rule.”
