Srinagar, June 11 : A delegation of Kashmiri pandits visiting the valley in connection with Meala Kheer Bhawani called on Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at his Nigeen residence on Tuesday.
The delegation was led by Satish Kumar and Nathil Razdan who said they are a group of ordinary Kashmiris and not affiliated with any organisation, a Hurriyat (M) spokesperson said in a statement issued.
He said the members of the delegation told Mirwaiz that they and hundreds like them are extremely eager to return to their homeland and seek his help in this regard.
“They said that they do not want to live in separate and segregated colonies as is being suggested by authorities but like in the past want to live among all in common neighbourhoods,” he said.
They said that as land prices are much higher than before, they would not be able to afford individual plots and homes, so they suggest that in each district of the valley some land may be allocated to them where they can build affordable flats in which they can live, the spokesperson said adding that the members of other communities can also buy flats there if they want and that they do not want segregation but want to live together.
“The delegation told Mirwaiz that they being a part and parcel of Kashmir society and its composite ethos are as much pained by what is happening here as their Muslim brethren. They said that many claim to represent them, but in reality most are exploiting there situation and there deep emotional desire to come back, rather than doing much about it,” he said.
Mirwaiz told the delegation that he empathises with their pining to return and assured them that all Kashmiri Muslims want them to come back and live together as before, as Kashmir belongs to them as much as it does to those who did not leave.
“He assured them of all help and assistance in there suggestion which he said he found sincere and sensible. He said he will help in building a consensus around it among all segments of people and will try to bring others on board,” the spokesperson said.
At the end of the meeting, it was decided that members of the delegation will stay in touch with the Mirwaiz and work on the idea to concretise it and take it forward, the spokesperson said.
