Kashmiri Pandits stage protest at Jantar Mantar, demand arrest of Geelani and Malik

Kashmiri Pandits protest demanding their involvement before any decision on their return to the Valley, in New Delhi on Sunday. (Source: PTI)

Kashmiri Pandits on Sunday staged a protest in New Delhi demanding that the state and Centre take the community members into confidence before any decision on their return to the Valley and also pressed for setting up a commission to probe the “genocide” which led to their exodus.

Members of the community, who converged in large numbers at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, demanded the Jammu and Kashmir Government reopens prosecution cases against all those involved in the killing of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley following the outbreak of militancy.

Many of the protesters, who were wearing black T-shirts and bands, shouted slogans against Hurriyat Conference and separatist leaders and sought their arrest. They also carried placards demanding that Article 370 of the Constitution, which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, be abolished.

The general secretary of Jammu Kashmir Vichar Manch, Manoj Bhan, said, “Whatever decision the Centre or the state government takes, they must talk to the Kashmiri Pandits first. No separatist should be allowed to intervene in matters relating to Kashmiri Pandits.”

They also called for setting up of a commission of inquiry to pinpoint responsibility on perpetrators of “genocide” against them.

Disapproving of comments made earlier by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed that only 10 to 15 per cent Kashmiri Pandits will choose to return to the Valley as most are well placed in various parts of the country, Bhan said that every member of the community wants to return to their homeland.

CBFC board member Ashoke Pandit, who had flown in from Mumbai to take part in the protest, said the Centre believing the words of Sayeed was “the biggest problem”.

“When I see all the terrorists on the streets of Kashmir, then what is the difference between the previous and this central government. The biggest problem is that the central government is trusting the Chief Minister… who says he is thankful to Pakistan after peaceful elections,” Pandit said.

Pandit demanded that Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Yasin Malik and other separatist leaders be arrested.

Another protester, Pankaj Dhar, said they want to go to their homeland but on their terms and authorities must ensure social and political security and economic empowerment of those who return.

Rashneek Kher of the Roots in Kashmir criticised the plan to build separate townships for the Pandits over an area of 50 acres saying it won’t suffice. “We refused to stay in clusters or ghettos spread over 50 acres. Whenever the government will call us, we will raise this issue before them,” Kher said.

Source:: Indian Express