Kashmiri Pandit Children Unlikely to Return Permanently, Will Visit as Tourists: Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, Jan 19, KNT: Senior political leader and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that the children of Kashmiri Pandits are unlikely to return to Kashmir permanently, as they are now settled and pursuing education in colleges and universities across different parts of the country.

Talking to reporters, Abdullah said that the younger generation of Kashmiri Pandits has built their lives outside the Valley and would come to Kashmir only as visitors. He said the ground reality has changed over the years and must be acknowledged.

Abdullah said efforts were made in the past to encourage the return of Kashmiri Pandits, and assurances were given that they would be settled in the Valley. However, he said many did not return, and subsequent political changes altered the situation further.

He said that the matter of return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits is no longer solely a local issue and that the decision now rests with the Central Government.

The former Chief Minister said the prolonged displacement has had a deep impact on generations of Kashmiri Pandits, especially children who have grown up outside Kashmir and developed social, educational, and professional roots elsewhere.  [KNT]