Mufti promises to ensure conducive conditions for Pandits' return

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on Saturday asserted that Kashmiri Pandits are a part of collective culture of the state, adding that his government would ensure that the conditions are conducive for their return.

"Kashmiri Pandits are part of culture, our collective culture. They are very learned people. It has been 25 years since 1990, and we still haven't been able to bring them back. Our collective culture won't be complete till they come back. They are highly placed, they are intellectuals; many are doctors, engineers and in the corporate sector. We will ensure that atmosphere is suitable for their return," Mufti Sayeed told mediapersons.

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.