Jammu, Mar 17: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt-Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today said one of the indicators of peace in Kashmir would be safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes.
The General was inaugurating the third International Seminar on Kashmir Shaivism, held in commemoration of birth centenary celebrations of His Holiness Swami Lakshmanjoo Maharaj, here this morning, attended by the delegates from all over the country and abroad.
''And, once peace returns to the Valley, the Army will certainly return back to the barracks,'' the Governor said in reference to the demand for demilitarisation.
Describing Kashmir as the soul of India, the Governor reiterated that Kashmir without Kashmiri Pandits is incomplete.
''This is the common perception among majority community in the Valley who are yearning to return to their brethren,'' he said.
He said though it may not be possible as of now in view of the prevailing situation but that should not mean that efforts in this regard should not be made.
The Governor said Kashmir is the home of everyone in India as the latter is the land of everyone from Kashmir, without in any manner undermining the privilege of the rights of the local people of the state.
As a first step, the Governor envisioned groups of Kashmiri Pandits could be taken for 'Waadi Ki Seir' as children and elders from the Valley are going on 'Wattan Ki Seir'. It will bridge the gap and promote harmony and greater understanding between the two communities, who are the core of shinning spirit of Kashmiriyat.
He referred to the visit of some Kashmiri Pandit youngsters to the Valley, who were born after migration or were too small at that time. ''In my interaction with them in Raj Bhavan I found them overwhelmed by the response of Muslim children. By such visits, broken links can be revived instead of snapping them for ever,'' he maintained.
UNI
The General was inaugurating the third International Seminar on Kashmir Shaivism, held in commemoration of birth centenary celebrations of His Holiness Swami Lakshmanjoo Maharaj, here this morning, attended by the delegates from all over the country and abroad.
''And, once peace returns to the Valley, the Army will certainly return back to the barracks,'' the Governor said in reference to the demand for demilitarisation.
Describing Kashmir as the soul of India, the Governor reiterated that Kashmir without Kashmiri Pandits is incomplete.
''This is the common perception among majority community in the Valley who are yearning to return to their brethren,'' he said.
He said though it may not be possible as of now in view of the prevailing situation but that should not mean that efforts in this regard should not be made.
The Governor said Kashmir is the home of everyone in India as the latter is the land of everyone from Kashmir, without in any manner undermining the privilege of the rights of the local people of the state.
As a first step, the Governor envisioned groups of Kashmiri Pandits could be taken for 'Waadi Ki Seir' as children and elders from the Valley are going on 'Wattan Ki Seir'. It will bridge the gap and promote harmony and greater understanding between the two communities, who are the core of shinning spirit of Kashmiriyat.
He referred to the visit of some Kashmiri Pandit youngsters to the Valley, who were born after migration or were too small at that time. ''In my interaction with them in Raj Bhavan I found them overwhelmed by the response of Muslim children. By such visits, broken links can be revived instead of snapping them for ever,'' he maintained.
UNI
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