JAMMU
In anticipation of Shivratri, a key festival of Kashmiri Pandits, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday visited several camps of Kashmiri migrants to extend them greetings. She visited Purkhoo, Muthi, Nagrota and Buta Nagar camps besides Jagti township, near Nagrota.
Shivratri is being celebrated on February 24 across the State. Revenue, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction and Disaster Management minister, Abdul Rehman Veeri accompanied her.
Interacting with the inhabitants there, Ms Mufti said Kashmiri Pandits are an inseparable part of Kashmir society and the inclusive ethos for which Kashmir has been known for ages is incomplete without them. She said their Muslim brethren in Kashmir are eagerly awaiting for their return back to their native places.
On the demands raised by the inhabitants at the places, the Chief Minister assured them that the Government would consider positively their demand for participating in panchayat and municipal elections so that they work for the betterment of their localities.
Mehbooba Mufti said already she has directed opening of Fair Price Shops at these camps and easy disbursal of relief periodically so that the inhabitants there don’t face any hardships. She said the other demands of increased accommodation, renovation at these places and sanitation would be looked into by the Government on priority.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister took an on the spot appraisal of the facilities being provided to migrants at these places. She said her Government would take all possible steps for the welfare of the community and for betterment of conditions at their places.
Touched by the gesture of the Chief Minister, Pandits living at these places received Mehbooba Mufti warmly in a traditional Kashmiri style.
Earlier, Kashmir separatist camp withdrew the strike call that was coinciding with the festival.
