Govt for safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to Valley: Mattoo

Visits migrant camp in Jagti

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 10 - Advisor to Chief Minister, Professor Amitabh Mattoo today said the government is committed for ensuring honorable and safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley.

Prof. Mattoo said this while addressing a gathering of Kashmiri Pandits at Jagti.

Vice Chancellor Central University of Jammu, Professor Ashok Aima, Commissioner Secretary Revenue Shafiq Ahmed Raina, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner M.L Raina, Deputy Commissioner Relief K.K Sidha, Additional Secretary Chief Minister's Grievance Cell Inam ul Haq Sidiqui, Executive Engineer Relief Organization and other senior officers accompanied the advisor during his visit.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Mattoo stressed that  the culture that Kashmiri Pandits carry along is a part of the larger picture of the state’s history and its preservation is priority for the current dispensation. He said that the government would involve their representatives in formulating various welfare measures. He further said the government would take all possible steps for the welfare of KP community and for betterment of conditions at their places. He further said that the government has taken numerous policy measures for Kashmiri Pandits including  provisions for government jobs and creation, allotment of residential facilities for employees.

He said that with the various development initiatives taken by present government the state will soon enter an era of normalcy, peace and prosperity, which the people of the state have been yearning for.

“Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had the vision that migrants are part of Kashmiriyat and they should return with dignity, as Kashmiri Pandits are an inseparable part of the Kashmiri society, and the inclusive ethos, for which Kashmir has been known for ages, is incomplete without them”, Prof Mattoo further maintained.

While praising the courage and dedication of the community in making every effort to preserve its cultural ethos, he expressed joy over the participation of youngsters and children in talent display events.

He took on spot appraisal of the facilities being provided to migrants at Jagti and directed the officers to ensure safe drinking water health facilities, sanitation and timely availability of ration for the migrant families. He informed that the working hours of medical health centres have been extended for the convenience of the people.

He assured  the up-gradation of health facilities and other infrastructure  at Jagti and said that  he will take up the matter with the Health Minister at the earliest.

He informed the gathering that construction work of residential flats at Vessu, Sheikhpora is in full swing besides work at Baramulla, Kupwara and other transitional  accommodations with  basic facilities is also in progress.

          Prof Mattoo assured the gathering that the government would consider their demand of constituting consultative committee comprising of representatives of Kashmiri Pandits to work with government for the betterment and welfare  of the  community.

            He announced that a library and computer lab with internet facility would be established at Jagti by the Central University of Jammu for the overall development of the migrant youth.

Later, the advisor visited hospital at Jagti and took stock of health facilities available there.