SRINAGAR, OCT 12: National Conference (NC) President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has assured that the upcoming government in Jammu and Kashmir will work towards ensuring the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland, reviving the region’s long-standing composite culture. Dr. Abdullah made these remarks while addressing media on the sidelines of a Dussehra event at SK Stadium, Srinagar, organized by the Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS), a group representing non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits and led by Sanjay Tickoo.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Abdullah said, “I am glad to be part of this event today. It reminds us of how truth triumphed over evil when Ravan was defeated.” He also noted that this was his first invitation to a Dussehra celebration in the past five years, despite serving as a Member of Parliament during that period.
Addressing the issue of Kashmiri Pandits, Dr. Abdullah emphasized the need for their safe and dignified return to the Valley, stating that it was time for them to come back and reclaim their place in the region. He reiterated that the new dispensation would work to bring all communities together, including Kashmiri Pandits, Dogras, Jammuites, Buddhists, and others, fostering unity and cooperation among all sections of society.
“We want to tell the people of Jammu that we are not their enemies. We want to take everyone along and move forward together,” Dr. Abdullah said, emphasizing that NC has never treated Jammu differently from Kashmir. He recalled the slogan raised when rebels raided J&K, “Hamlawar hosiyar, hum Kashmiri hai tayar” (Attackers, beware, Kashmiris are ready), underscoring the unity of all religious groups at that time. He also invoked the famous slogan from Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah’s era, “Sher-e-Kashmir ka irshad, Hindu-Muslim-Sikh itehad” (Sher-e-Kashmir’s command is the unity of Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs), stressing the importance of keeping all sects and communities united.
When asked about the oath-taking ceremony for the new government, Dr. Abdullah confirmed that invitations have been sent to political dignitaries, but the dates for the ceremony have not yet been confirmed. “The President’s rule must first come to an end. We are waiting for the date for the oath ceremony from Raj Bhawan,” he stated. On the question of who will be appointed as ministers, he added, “I can’t comment on that at this stage.”
Notably, yesterday evening, Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah presented letters of support from the NC, Congress, CPI(M), and four independent candidates, formally staking a claim for government formation. Omar Abdullah mentioned that the oath ceremony could take a few days as the Lieutenant Governor’s office needs to forward the necessary papers to Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Home Ministry for approval, given J&K’s current status as a Union Territory under central rule.
