Kashmiri Pandits set terms to parties

Jammu : A group of Kashmiri Pandit organisations on Monday asked all political parties approaching them for votes to first come up with a detailed blueprint for a dignified return of the migrant community to the valley, warning that they would otherwise campaign vigorously among community members to use the NOTA option.

“We have been hearing political parties talking about our dignified return and rehabilitation in the valley for more than two decades. The community will no longer be taken in by mere sloganeering,” said Vinod Pandit, chairman of the All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee, a conglomerate of various Kashmiri Pandit organisations. “Before we decide which way we will go during polls, let every party explain how it will address the community’s political, social, economic and religious aspirations after getting its members elected,” he said, releasing a six-point charter of demands.

The demands include a Kashmir temples and shrines bill, dialogue with Pakistan for facilitating visits to Shardha Peeth temple across the LoC, a Shardha Peeth University in the state, a probe into encroachment on land of temples, one-time compensation to migrant Kashmiri Hindu youth over a specified age, and an employment package for non-migrant Hindus of Kashmir valley.

APMCC national spokesperson King C Bharti accused all parties of ignoring Kashmiri Pandits’ repeated plea to simplify the procedure for enrolment as migrant voters. He said it was the parties’ final chance.

Kashmiri Pandits can potentially swing the results in some seats, especially where a boycott call by separatists keeps the turnout low. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has told The Indian Express in Srinagar that he fears the BJP could manipulate the votes of this crucial constituency.

In Jammu on Monday, union minister Jitendra Singh was asked about such allegations. PTI quoted him as saying, “What is the objection if some community… wishes to support BJP?”