Don’t think Kashmiri Pandits would return to valley permanently: Farooq

People of J&K Never desired to go with Pakistan, chose India in 1947

Jammu Tawi, Jan 19: The National Conference president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that nobody is stopping Kashmiri Pandits from coming back to home, saying they can come anytime and stay in their homes like those who never left the Valley.

Speaking with reporters, Farooq said that he had told them (Kashmiri Pandits) on time to return to their homes and he had made a comprehensive rehabilitation policy when he was at the helm. “Then we were not in power. Now it’s the job of New Delhi to rehabilitate them,” he said.

He said that it is also up to them (Kashmiri Pandits) who left their homes, they are settled in other parts, have grown old and their children are now studying in schools, colleges and universities. “They can come here as visitors only. I don’t think they will come here to stay,” he added.

“Woh toh visitors [ki tarah] ayenge. Mujhe nahi lagta ki woh rehne ke liye ayenge (They will come like visitors. I do not think that they will come to live permanently),” Abdullah said when asked about the return of Kashmiri Pandits.

“First of all, they have to think about it as they have settled everywhere. A number of them have grown older and are seeking medical treatment. Their children are studying in schools, colleges and universities,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a two-day party event in Jammu.

Responding to a question, Farooq Abdullah said that there is hatred being spread across the country in the name of religion and that Hindus and Muslims are divided to win elections. “This nation belongs to everyone and it’s known for unity in diversity. Every religion and caste exists here but some people want to fight in the name of religion who can stop them. It is not a new thing,” he said.

Referring to Vaishno Devi medical admission row, he said that students were given admission based on NEET score and the majority of them were Muslims, but its approval as a medical college was withdrawn. “Who were these people who did this? Who is responsible for the hatred being spread in Jammu in the name of religion. Who is saying that Jammu should be separated,” he questioned.

He also said that Pakistan would never stop its actions in Jammu and Kashmir and it has been saying this time and again. “We have confronted Pakistan. Had we desired, 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 with ease here, who are fighting religious fights,” he said.