SRINAGAR : Taking a dig atJammu and Kashmir Chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, National Conference working president Omar Abdulla today said he (Mufti) has favoured a separate township for Kashmiri Pandits in the valley.
In a tweet former chief minister Omar Abdullah said, “ Will someone please remind Mufti Sb about his answer given to me during Gov. (Governors) address discussion regarding Jagti type townships in the valley. He (Mufti) was categorical in his assertion that it is the intention of his Govt to build segregated townships for Pandits rather than integration, Mr Abdullah said. He tweeted immediately after Mr Sayeed said, “there is no question of giving separate homeland to Kashmiri Pandits in the valley. Mr Sayeed was replying to a question raised by MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami in legislative assembly at Jammu. The Chief Minister described the reports that government has identified 500 kanals for a separate colony for migrant Kashmiri Pandits as totally false. He said he wanted to ensure that the secular identity and Jammu and Kashmirâ’s diversity remain intact. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has recently asked the Chief Minister to identify land for separate homeland in the Valley for Pandits living in different parts of the country after their migration in early 90s. However, the proposal evoked sharp reaction from separatist and mainstream parties in the Valley. Separatist organisations have called for a peaceful demonstration after Friday prayers tomorrow and a complete shutdown on Saturday. Mr Abdullah in a separate tweet said “ No right minded Kashmiri will oppose the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes in the Valley. No right minded Kashmiri will support the ghettoisation of Kashmiri Pandits, housed in segregated inherently unsafe camps in the valley Mr Abdullah said will do everything possible to support the return of Pandits to the valley in keeping with our composite culture & Kashmiriyatât. (agencies)