Jammu, Apr 1: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday asserted that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure protection of the properties and religious shrines of displaced Kashmiri Pandits until their safe and dignified return to the valley.
Opposing a private member’s bill tabled by National Conference legislator Arjun Singh Raju in the Assembly, Abdullah said his government is ready to bring a law on the subject, provided there is consensus within the community.
Raju has moved the bill seeking better management, protection, administration and governance of Kashmiri Hindu shrines and religious places in the Union Territory (UT).
“No one can deny that Kashmiri Pandits were compelled to leave the valley and settle in Jammu or elsewhere outside J&K under extremely difficult circumstances. They were forced to migrate after their security was compromised, and unless that sense of safety is fully restored, their return cannot be expected,’ the chief minister said.
“Since 1990, all governments — both at the Centre and in Jammu and Kashmir — have reiterated their commitment to facilitating the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits, but the necessary conditions for their return are yet to be created,” he said.
The chief minister said that until their return, it is the government’s responsibility to safeguard the properties of Kashmiri Pandits, particularly their religious places and land.
After the 1996 elections, when a National Conference (NC) government was formed, he said a law was introduced to prevent the distress sale or transfer of Kashmiri Pandit properties to ensure their protection.
The chief minister said they cannot prevent anyone from making propaganda films on the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, as such narratives tend to attract greater attention.
However, he said, there is another side rarely highlighted — that in the absence of Kashmiri Pandits, local Kashmiri Muslims in many areas have safeguarded and preserved their temples.
“All steps will be taken to keep these religious institutions and properties intact,” Abdullah said.
He said differences within the Hindu and Kashmiri Muslim communities regarding such legislation remain a challenge.
“… If the community unites on a common platform, the government is ready to bring a law; however, taking steps without consensus may lead to further divisions,” he said, noting that a similar bill he had introduced in the House while in the opposition was opposed by sections of the Pandit community, who argued it would be unjust and detrimental to their interests.
Satisfied with the chief minister’s reply, Raju later withdrew his bill.
