‘Unfortunate that Kashmiri Pandits resettlement issue is being politicised’
A section of Kashmiri Pandits living in the Valley are against the idea of separate townships for members of the displaced community and said it was “unfortunate” that the issue was being “politicized”.
Chuni Lal Vishen, a Kashmiri Pandit who stayed in the Valley when most people of his community migrated to other parts of the country after the onset of militancy in early 1990s, believes in the slogan – ‘Sang Sang Jiyain Gay, Sang Sang Marain Gay’ (we will live together and die together).
Vishen, who participated in a demonstration organized by separatist group JKLF to protest against the proposed setting up of an exclusive township for the Kashmiri Pandits, feels it echoes the feeling of Pandits and Muslims alike who want to live together in peace and harmony.
“It is unfortunate that the issue is being politicized. These colonies will never benefit Pandits. We cannot have everything in these colonies. Our children will have to go to universities, so would there be universities in these separate colonies? Some of us may need special treatment, would there be super specialty hospitals in the colonies?” he said.
He said the Pandits do not want to live in separate colonies and would love to return to their native places and live with their Muslim brethren.
“See, we cannot live in the separate colonies. We have to go out. We would want to visit places like Nishat Garden and Gulmarg. We cannot have such places in our colonies. We have to go out and mingle with the majority community.
“We would want our Muslim friends to come over to our places and vice-versa. What purpose will these separate colonies serve?” he questioned.
Vishen said the majority community can ensure the safety and security of Pandits but making separate living spaces will drive a wedge between the communities.
“I was being protected by the majority community. Pandits living in Muslim mohallas faced no threat. Our Muslim friends were always there for us,” he said.
Another Kashmiri Pandit, Omkar Pajnoo, who has been living in his ancestral home in downtown area of Srinagar, said he faced no harm or threats all these years.
“The government is not serious about the return of the Pandits. It is all politics. It is a ploy by the government to create fear among them (Pandits) to make sure that they do not return to the Valley,” Pajnoo said.
PTI
