SRINAGAR: National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that nobody is stopping Kashmiri Pandits from returning home, stating that they can come anytime and stay in their houses like those who never left the Valley.
Speaking with reporters, Farooq Abdullah, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said he had urged them (Kashmiri Pandits) to return to their homes in time and had framed a comprehensive rehabilitation policy when he was in power. “Then we were not in power. Now it is New Delhi’s responsibility to rehabilitate them,” he said.
He said it is also up to those Kashmiri Pandits who left, many of whom are now settled elsewhere, have grown old and whose children are studying in schools, colleges and universities outside the Valley. “They can come here as visitors only. I do not think they will return to stay permanently,” he added.
Responding to a question, Farooq Abdullah said hatred is being spread across the country in the name of religion and that Hindus and Muslims are being divided to win elections. “This nation belongs to everyone and is known for unity in diversity. Every religion and caste exists here, but some people want conflict in the name of religion—who can stop them? It is not new,” he said.
Referring to the Vaishno Devi medical admission row, he said students were granted admission on the basis of NEET scores and the majority happened to be Muslims, after which the college’s recognition was withdrawn. “Who were the people behind this? Who is responsible for spreading hatred in Jammu in the name of religion? Who is demanding separation of Jammu?” he asked.
He also said Pakistan would never cease its actions in Jammu and Kashmir and has reiterated this repeatedly. “We confronted Pakistan. Had we wished, we would have gone with Pakistan in 1947, but we chose India. We stayed in Gandhi’s Bharat, but is it his Bharat today? Are people living in peace here? Who is fuelling religious divisions?” he said. (KNO)
