PDP, BJP playing politics over return of Pandits: Cong

Stating that Kashmiri Pandits should be rehabilitated at their places of origin in Kashmir, the state Congress chief, Ghulam Ahmad Mir Sunday alleged that Peoples Democratic Party and Bharatiya Janta Party were playing politics over the return of Pandits to the valley.
Talking to reporters after a party convention at Dak Bungalow in Anantnag town of south Kashmir, Mir said Pandits are an integral part of Kashmiri society and the composite culture of the valley and his party has always stood for their return to their homes.
“It was under Dr Manmohan Singh’s leadership that a couple of packages were announced for the return of our Pandit brethren,” Mir said, adding that many of them were inducted into government services and provided financial package of Rs 7.5 lakhs each for their rehabilitation in the valley.
However, Mir said, some six months back after re-assessment a proposal to pay them Rs 20 lakhs each has been sent to Government of India.
“I firmly believe that putting them in separate colonies will only alienate majority and the minority community from each other,” Mir said.
He said the government should make sure land is purchased and houses are built for those Pandits who have sold their land already.
Earlier, addressing the convention, Mir criticised the government for ‘u-turns’ on several issues. “It was an unholy alliance in the first place and the chief minister did a u-turn at the very beginning by allying with rightwing BJP. There is uncertainty in this dispensation and we firmly believe it cannot work like this,” he said.
He alleged that relief to flood victims is being used by the state government “to benefit their workers”.
“People with affiliations to either BJP or PDP are being provided flood relief on a fast track basis while others have been left out,” Mir said, adding that his party will come out on streets if the state government does not stop this “malpractice”.
He told the media persons that Congress leaders are being denied security cover in the valley. “Ex-Ministers, PCC office bearers and candidates from the party who lost in Assembly elections are among the people presently being stripped of security cover,” Mir said.
He said withdrawing security of leaders from a particular party was against the democratic setup. “Moreover, it is putting the lives of our leaders in jeopardy,” Mir said.
The convention was also attended by former Education Minister, Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed, and some newly elected MLAs of the party from south Kashmir.