Hope for early return of our Kashmiri Pandit brethren: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Srinagar, June 14: National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah today said that he hopes for an early return of Kashmiri Pandit brethren to Valley.

According to a press release, he was interacting with devotees of Mela Kheer Bhawani at Tulmulla in Ganderbal. Dr Farooq felicitated the devotees on the observance of the annual festival. “The festival is a glaring example of Hindu-Muslim unity. Festivals like these bring people together and help bring the two communities together. This particular festival reflects the inter- religious camaraderie and communal harmony in a state like that of ours. Our state in particular the valley has always been an immaculate illustration of unity in diversity of cultures, faiths and traditions. I hope for an early return of our Kashmiri pandit brethren. The pluralistic culture of Kashmir is incomplete without our Kashmiri pandit brethren," he said adding, "May the occasion increase the prospects of peace and prosperity in J&K & Ladakh. I also look forward to a time when Kashmiri pandits will live alongside their Kashmiri Muslim brethren in the Valley.”

NC President was accompanied by Provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani, Dr Sameer Koul, and Israr Khan. He also appreciated the party’s local unit functionaries led by incharge constituency Sheikh Gayas- Ud- Din for holding a refreshment camp for the devotees on the occasion.