Executing NDA's 'unfinished' task, says Jitendra Singh on Pandits' issue

Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh on Sunday dubbed the return of Kashmiri Pandits as their 'constitutional right.'

He further took a hit at the NDA regime, saying that the latter should be 'appreciative' and 'supportive' of the present Prime Minister Modi-led government, who was actually executing the previous government's 'unfinished' task.

"I must put across and all of us must admit that the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their home is not only their birth right, but a constitutional right. Therefore, if all of us are actually serious and sincere about it, then we must avoid creating unnecessary controversies and debates out of it," Singh said.

"Those who are in the opposition today would do better to actually extend a co-operating hand to the Government of India in finding a solution to the safe, secure and dignified return of the Kashmiri Pandits. This is something which they could have done in the 10 years of their rule at the centre and the state, but they could not achieve it. There unfinished task is being accomplished by the present government and they should rather be appreciative, supportive and cooperative about it," he added.

The minister also said that the return of Kashmiri Pandits was the social and national responsibility of the state.

Earlier Thursday, Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs official spokesperson Tasneem Aslam had stated that creation of special townships for Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir would violate the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.

Last month, Separatists had called for a shutdown across the Valley over the issue of creation of special townships aimed at resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits.