Kashmiri Pandits an integral part of Kashmiryat: Omar

The return of 1500 youths to the Valley for employment and their mingling with the majority community is a healthy sign , says Omar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said Kashmiri Pandits form an integral part of Kashmiryat and restoring a sense of security in them is crucial for their return to the Valley.

"Loss of sense of security forced them to leave their homeland. Their return to the Valley will not be by force but by creating conducive and favourable conditions and restoring the sense of security in them," he said.

"Their return is essentially significant to restore the composite culture of the Valley. I will continue to make efforts to create a secure and peaceful atmosphere for safe return of Kashmiri Pandits," Omar said.

A great number of Kashmiri Pandits want to return to the Valley and become part of the society like they used to be before militancy erupted, he said interacting with a group of displaced Kashmiri Pandit youths here.

The return of 1500 youths to the Valley for employment and their mingling with the majority community is a healthy sign and a good omen, he said.

"My endeavour is to restore the same situation. I do not want to take Kashmiri Pandits from Jammu and other parts of the country to the Valley and make them live in camps. They are integral part of Kashmir and its composite culture," Omar said.

Though packages and other facilities for return of the Kashmiri Pandits are necessary, the restoration of sense of security in them is of primary importance, he said.

The issue is totally human and apolitical, Omar said.