‘Settlement in separate colonies unacceptable’
‘Tanveer’s cold blooded murder is state terrorism’
Srinagar: A delegation of Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus) called on Hurriyat Chairman Syed Ali Geelani at his residence on Friday. The delegation while enquiring about his health and discussed various issues related to return of Kashmiri Pandits.
During the meeting, they held discussion over the dignified return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley and the issues associated with it.
A statement from Hurriyat read, “Geelani made it clear to the delegation that APHC has always believed that Kashmiri Pandits were an integral part of Kashmiri society and Kashmiri people stand for their return to Kashmir and desire to see them once again becoming a part of the society like they were in the past.”
The statement added, “We are not against their return. Thousands of Pandits are still living with us and didn’t migrate to any other place. They are living in complete harmony and local Muslims help them and share their feelings.”
Geelani said in the statement, “They are part of Kashmir society and we have always urged them to return. We will welcome them if they are willing to settle within us and in our society,” he said.
He added, “And let the state administration provide them help If any of them has disposed of his property.
However, Geelani maintained that settlement in separate colonies is unacceptable.
“Any separate colony for their (Pandits) settlement in Valley is unacceptable. We believe it is division in the name of religion and hence we oppose it.”
He added, “The freedom movement in state is in no way a Hindu Muslim conflict nor it is sectarian row. Instead we are pursuing a fundamental right for all living within territory of Jammu & Kashmir,” said Geelani.
The statement pointed out that the Pandit leaders agreed with Geelani and said that every mature and sane person will never favour breakdown of mutual harmony and brotherhood between different communities.
Pandit leaders admitted that thousands of members of Pandit community are living a peaceful life without feeling scared.
Geelani also maintained that the Kashmir issue has turned into a sore and because of its unresolved nature both communities including Pandits and Muslims in state are facing immense hardships.
The Pandit leaders handed over a written statement to Geelani saying that his treatment and relationship with the Pandits has always been open and he has always helped them.
Meanwhile, the octogenarian leader said the ‘murder’ of 25 year old Tanveer Ahmed Wani of Beerwah is ‘state terrorism’ and the forces are carrying genocide of Kashmiris in a planned manner.
“Unless and until these forces are made accountable for their wrongdoings the killing spree will go unabated.”
He extended his condolences to grieved family and said that whole nation shares their grief.
