Muslim scholars call for return of Kashmiri Pandits to Valley

SRINAGAR: A group of Muslim scholars headed by Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today said the return of Kashmiri Pandits to Valley was a humanitarian issue and they were welcome to their native places.

"We do not want to do politics over the Kashmiri Pandits issue. This is a humanitarian issue and we see it as one," the Mirwaiz told reporters after a meeting of the Muttehada Majlis Ulema ( United Ulema Council) here.

The Mirwaiz said Kashmiri Pandits are part and parcel of the Kashmiri society and welcome to return. "They are welcome to return to their villages and homes in Kashmir," he said.

The Mirwaiz, however, said the Majlis was opposed to creating separate townships for the Kashmiri Pandits in Valley.

"We want to ask the state government whether it is helping the RSS and other outfits in fulfilling their nefarious designs on this issue. These outfits have made their agenda clear through media," he said.

The Mirwaiz said Kashmiri Muslims were not communal and the religious leaders of the Valley, through their sermons, had preached protection of the religious places of the minorities.

"Not a single temple or religious place was desecrated or damaged ... unfortunately, this issue is being exploited under a well thought out conspiracy," he added.

Mirwaiz condemned the killing of the youth in army operation in Tral area of Pulwama district and demanded a Judicial commission of inquiry to probe such killings which took place in the state since 1990.

"These killings will continue till black laws are in force. These black laws need to be revoked and till then every Kashmiri will feel unsafe," he said.