Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 6 : Governor N. N. Vohra today stressed the crucial importance of strengthening the bonds of communal harmony and glorious composite cultural ethos of the State, observing that Kashmiri Pandits are an inalienable component of this centuries old heritage and hoped that sooner than later they would be able to return to their homes and hearths in the Valley in an enabling atmosphere, which would further strengthen this ethos.
The Governor was addressing an interactive convention organized by the Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS) here today.
The Governor observed that delegations of various groups of Kashmiri migrants had been meeting him from time to time and bringing their various demands and difficulties to his notice. He said that he had been discussing all these matters with the Chief Minister, the Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation and other concerned authorities.
He added that while considerable headway has been achieved to address the problems confronting the Kashmiri migrants the solutions to resolve the remaining ones could be found by sitting together. He observed that he would address the Chief Minister and the Minister of State for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation to find the ways and means for expeditiously implementing the Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package and finding solutions to the remainder matters.
Referring to the Hindu Temples, Shrines and Religious Places Bill which had been referred by the Legislature to a Select Committee, the Governor hoped that there would be a positive movement in this regard in the coming months.
The Governor and Raman Bhalla, Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, were felicitated by the YAIKS on this occasion by presenting to them turbans and mementos by Maj. Gen. (Retd) B. N. Dhar.
Raman Bhalla, speaking on the occasion, said that many of the problems of the Kashmiri migrants have already been addressed while the Government is committed to resolve the remaining issues expeditiously. He referred to the Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package for Kashmiri migrants and assured that this will be implemented speedily.
Pt. R. K. Bhat, President, Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj, projected the demands of the organization, which include, implementation of the Prime Minister’s rehabilitation package in toto, filling up of the remaining sanctioned posts for Kashmiri migrants and updation of voters’ lists of Kashmiri migrants as per the data available with the Relief Commissioner, Jammu and other parts of the country. He thanked the Governor for being the chief guest at the function and interacting with the members of the community.
Prof. Indu Kilam, Advisor of YAIKS, in her welcome address, gave details about the aims, objects and activities of the YAIKS.
Shuban Dudha, Advisor of the YAIKS, presented a vote of thanks.
Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, was present on the occasion.
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