Kashmir Pandits want measures for them

Ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's proposed visit to Kashmir, a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits today met his Advisor T K A Nair to impress upon the need for addressing the problems being faced by the displaced community, particularly those in refugee camps.
The delegation of Panun Kashmir, a prominent organisation of Pandits, insisted that the Prime Minister's agenda for the visit should include some measures for the displaced people to allievate their pitiable conditions.
The four-member delegation apprised Nair about the ground realities and said the government should initiate long-term and short-term measures for the community which is in the 24th year of displacement, a press statement issued by Panun Kashmir said.

The Prime Minister's Advisor was apprised about the "inhuman conditions" existing in the refugee camps, it said.
The delegation, comprising Shakti Bhan, Vijay Tikoo, Romesh Razdan and Ramesh Manvati, made it clear that the government should not try any efforts for "symbolic return" of Pandits to the valley but work for concrete steps for their rehabilitation.
The Prime Minister is expected to travel to the state later this month.

The delegation also demanded setting up of an inquiry commission to probe the reasons for rise of armed insurgency in the state.
It also emphasised the need for retaining of AFSPA to protect the rights of Indian Army.

Nair, while giving a patient hearing, assured the delegation that the issues and concerns raised by them would be brought to the notice of the Prime Minister, the statement said.