TULMUL — Jammu and Kashmir BJP General Secretary Ashok Kaul said on Monday that the National Conference (NC) is responsible for the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the valley and emphasised that it is now the duty of the NC-led government to create an environment that encourages their return.
Kaul mentioned that Kashmiri Pandits would only return to the valley when they feel the situation is favourable, rather than simply based on any government decision.
“The National Conference is accountable for the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, and it is the responsibility of the NC to facilitate their return. It is their government, and they need to propose solutions and a roadmap for this process,” Kaul told reporters on the sidelines of a Kheerbhawani function at Tulmul in Ganderbal district.
During the festival, Kashmiri Pandits celebrated Kheerbhawani Mela at five temples dedicated to Mata Ragniya Bhagwati and Mata Tripura Sundari across five districts of the Kashmir Valley, with thousands of pilgrims visiting the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmul.
Kaul reiterated that the displaced community must determine the terms of their return. “Kashmiri Pandits will return based on what they deem appropriate. They will not come back simply because Chief Minister Omar Abdullah or the NC government has made a decision,” he stated.
He also highlighted that the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits falls under the responsibility of the civil administration, not just the Central Government. Kaul claimed that the current law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved significantly over the years.
“Today, there are no incidents of stone-pelting, children are attending school, and people can be seen moving freely in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk late at night. The law and order situation has indeed improved,” he said.
The BJP leader urged the NC-led government to address any remaining issues related to the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. “If the government claims it is ready to bring them back, we are also ready to support their return,” he added. — (PTI)