Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 19: The Government today said the separate colonies for Kashmiri Pandits are not possible in Kashmir and they have to live within the society, but suggested a debate over the issue which has dominated headlines since over two weeks.
“Government is trying for dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits. If the Hurriyat and mainstream parties have any objections within our plan, we can have a debate with them how to facilitate their return. I appeal the separatists and mainstream parties that if you find any objections, kindly tell us how to go,” Government spokesman and Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar, told reporters here at Banquet Hall during a press conference.
“We are open to debate on this. There is a consensus on the return of the Kashmiri Pandits. But how will we bring them back. Let’s us have a debate on it and let the civil society lead the debate. We will follow if the civil society leads the campaign,” he said.
The Government’s response came a day after separatists threatened 2008-like agitation over the setting up of Sainik Colonies and townships for Kashmir Pandits.
“What we will get from the agitations like 2008 and 2010? We have to think beyond that. Our economy, tourism have started picking up, education activity has started. We should not derail that,” he said.
Replying to questions on constructing Sainik Colonies, the Government spokesman said proposal and demand of colony by State’s ex-servicemen have been going on for long time. “But no land has been identified yet as the Sainik Board has been told that there is no land available for the colony, he said.
Akhtar said that the special status of the State is ‘inviolable’ as the PDP-BJP coalition has mentioned it in the Agenda of Alliance.
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