Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passes resolution for return of Kashmiri Pandits

The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Assembly on 19th January 2017 unanimously passed a resolution for creating a conducive atmosphere for the return of Kashmiri Pandits and other migrants to the Valley. Former J&K Chief Minister and opposition leader Omar Abdullah tabled the resolution and the PDP-BJP Government supported it. After the Question-Hour concluded and discussions began on grants for Industries and Commerce department, senior PDP leader and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Abdur Rehman Veeri approved that the resolution should be passed in the House calling for the return of migrant Pandits and other communities displaced after an eruption of militancy to the Valley. 

Meanwhile, Speaker Kavinder Gupta stressed that everybody should work towards creating a good and conducive atmosphere for a safe return of migrant Pandits and other displaced people to the Valley. However, independent Legislator from Langate constituency of North-Kashmir, Engineer Rasheed, termed the resolution as a 'gimmick aimed at scoring political points'. He opposed the resolution arguing that since no Kashmiri is opposed to the return of Pandits, there was no need to pass a resolution.

Most of the people respond positively towards passing a resolution for return of Kashmiri Pandits by saying that the State Lawmakers have taken an excellent decision for the welfare & prosperity of migrant Pandits which indicates everybody is highly committed towards rehabilitation and safe-return of all migrants to the valley. People also refer the resolution as a great achievement of PDP-BJP Government for which they congratulate the coalition Government of the State.

Some people raise various questions related to the security and safety over the resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley by asking that before passing the resolution what are the protection parameters have been frameworked for all migrants by the State Government. While, some also express their views that State Government would not be able to provide protection to Kashmiri Pandits because earlier the Government had failed to handle the issue of Kashmir unrest properly.