From the President's Desk November 1996

Niranjan Nath Kaul  President Kashmir Samiti Delhi 1996

J&K State has entered a new political phase after the recent elections. A new government headed by Dr Farouq Abdullah has been installed. We are happy that people have once again reposed faith in the democratic system.

A delegation of the Kashmiri Samiti Delhi called on Dr. Farouq Abdullah Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Shri Pyaray Lal Handoo, Minister of Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Elections separately, in New Delhi, on October 5th, 1996 to congratulate them on assumption of office and to avail of this opportunity to discuss with them the current political situation in the State in general and about the fate of non-Muslims exiles in particular Both appear enthusiastic about creating conditions for the return of migrants to their homes. A detailed report on the deliberations of the meeting appears separately in this issue.

While Dr. Abdullah and Shri Handoo appeared to be optimistic about the return of migrants which would, as a single factor, become an indicator that the situation has improved, the reality on the ground, however, does not encourage us here to feel so optimistic. Encounters and group clashes are continuing and pro-India elements, particularly the newly elected MLAs, have now become the special targets of the militants. Well, the Government may be able to provide some security to the MLAs and others who matter but would it be in a position to provide adequate and effective security to the migrants when they choose to return, is a matter of concern. We cannot also overlook the fact that for the secessionist and fundamentalist forces, return of migrants would tantamount to certain defeat for their game plan which they can hardly tolerate.

As such, our feeling is that the immediate return of migrants would expose them to serious danger to their lives. All of us will therefore, have to sit together and ponder over this post-election situation.

We feel that the State Government must ensure certain basic promises for the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes. Such promises must be duly under-written by the Government of India. Some of these are-

Disarming of all terrorist outfits and fool-proof guarantee for the safety of returning migrants. Provision of generous aid and assistance to migrants to enable them to rehabilitate themselves.

A Minority Commission, headed by a serving or retired Supreme Court Judge, be set up to safeguard the interests of the minorities in J&K State. The recommendations of such a commission should be binding on the State Government.

Status quo ante as on 26 October, 1947 in respect of all Hindu shrines and temples in Kashmir Valley should be immediately restored. After that a law should be enacted for setting up a Hindu Shrines Body on the lines of Shiromani Gurdwara Prabdhanadak Act. Adequate financial assistance should be provided to such a body to rebuild and repair all shrines and temples.

Given above are only some of the points that have presently struck us as of immediate importance. I am sure there will be many more points concerning our welfare in the minds of the Biradar. I request all my Biradari members to write to us about these so that we can present a comprehensive Memorandum to the State and Central Governments for consideration.

Thanking you,

Your sincerely,

Niranjan Nath Kaul  President KSD

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Courtesy:  Niranjan Nath Kaul  President Kashmir Samiti Delhi and November 1996 Koshur Samachar