‘Will build transit stay for Kashmiri pandits’: J&K CM

Jammu and Kashmir: Mehbooba Mufti, CM of Jammu and Kashmir, said her government will set up transit accommodations for Kashmiri Pandits and other migrants in the state, so that they can live there until returning safely to their native places.

The Chief Minister, speaking during the motion of thanks on the Governor’s Address, said the Pandits’ return was among the various issues dwelt upon by the Working Group. “They can stay in the transit accommodation till the time they feel safe to move elsewhere,” Mehbooba said, explaining that 50 per cent of the transit accommodation would be for migrants from other faiths.

“I will (Insha Allah) bring them back with honour and dignity,” she told the Assembly. “Our roots are in insaniyat…. the Pandits will come back and settle at their respective places. We must move step by step,” she said, adding that Muslims and Sikhs who had migrated owing to militancy would also be brought back.

She pointed out that her political workers, along with PSOs, were staying in hotels as the situation in far-flung areas was not yet safe. “Separatists, mainstream party members, those with the NC and the Congress are all part of Kashmiriyat,” she said.