Pandit community body urges PMO to ensure their safety in Kashmir

The All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Tuesday in which it urged both the Union and State Government to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of Kashmiri Pandits and other minorities in the Kashmir Valley.

The AIKS is an apex body of Indian and overseas Kashmiri Pandit organisations.

AIKS officials handed the memorandum to the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Dr. Jitendra Singh. A similar memorandum was also sent to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.

In its memorandum, the AIKS expressed its deep concern over the outbreak of violence and also highlighted its concerns over the targeted stoning of Kashmiri Pandit transit camps in different parts of Kashmir.

"The memorandum also raised the issue of the safety of the minuscule population of Kashmiri Pandits and minorities still residing in the valley. For us, it is a repeat of the 1989-90 situation which resulted in displacement of our community from our homeland," said Col. (retired) Tej K. Tikoo, spokesperson of the All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS).