Srinagar, Jul 12 (KNS): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National Vice-President and Jammu and Kashmir in-charge Avinash Rai Khanna Friday said that the return of Kashmiri Pandits is party’s priority.
Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Khanna said that the rehabilitation of Kashmiri pandits is BJP’s agenda and they will be rehabilitated soon.
He added that their security and other things will also be taken into the consideration thoroughly. “Return of Kashmiri pandits to the Valley is our priority and at present, the steps in this regard are being taken. I cannot set any deadline but it is our priority and BJP will ensure their return.”
However, BJP’s state general secretary (organization), Ashok Koul reacting to the statement of Hurriyat conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq told KNS that the party would welcome in case they will play role in the return of Kashmiri Pandits. “Let they show anything on the ground and BJP will welcome it,” he said.
Earlier, the Hurriyat conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had said that a panel comprising Ulemas, Traders, civil Society members and Kashmir Pandits will be constituted to take steps unitedly for the return of Kashmiri Pandits.
In an exclusive chat with Kashmir News Service (KNS), Mirwaiz had said that the members of Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion of Mela Khirbhawani met him and urged him to play a role as Mirwaiz with regard to ensure their return to the Valley. “The return of Kashmiri Pandits is a human issue and there must a start in this regard. We don’t see return of Kashmiri Pandits through the prism of Kashmir issue but it is a human issue,” he had said.
Meanwhile, Avinash when asked about the party’s ongoing membership drive said that the drive is going on and people are showing a good response.
“The data has not been compiled so far to see how many have joined. The drive has been started in every district. People are showing quite good response. The final report has not been compiled so far. It will end on August 11, 2019,” he said. (KNS)