NEW DELHI, Apr 10:
Amidst protests in Jammu and Kashmir over settlement of Kashmiri Pandits, the Centre today said it was committed to the “dignified and secured” return of the displaced community to their place of origin and that the issue should not be politicised.
“In principle, our Government and my organisation (BJP) are committed to dignified and secured return of Kashmiri Pandits to their place of origin. The issue should be looked into on humanitarian ground. No one should do politics over it,” Minister of State for PMO Jitendra Singh said.
Singh, who hails from the State, was replying to a question on protests in Kashmir Valley against the proposed move to construct composite townships for Kashmiri Pandits.
“So far, the Government’s action is on right direction. The Home Minister has already said that whatever decision has been taken, it has been taken in good faith,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
The Minister said it was not fair to say that Kashmiri Pandits do not want to go back to the Valley.
“They would go back if there is dignity and security in their return. Any person living outside his or her homeland would not feel comfortable,” he said.
Singh said return and rehabilitation of Pandits was a very sensitive issue and should be handled with care. “We have to move as per the wishes of Kashmiri Pandits. They have the right to return to their place of origin. The community had to leave in a very unfortunate circumstances,” he said. (PTI)
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