Jammu

Asserting that the issue of return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley has become just a “phrase” used by political parties to befool the people, an organisation representing the community today said they have lost faith in the Narendra Modi government.

“The return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir has become a ‘phrase’ for every politician and political party to befool the community,” Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS) President, R K Bhat told reporters.

“They have been using it repeatedly, but no sincere effort has been made by the successive state and Central governments so far,” Bhat said.

“It is unfortunate that the microscopic KP community, which is peace-loving and nationalistic is now living in 26th year of its exile outside (the state), and continues to search for homes and hearths in Kashmir where they belong,” he said.

“The community had high hopes from the Centre led by Modi. Now our last hope has also died as the Modi government has also taken a casual approach…”, Bhat said.

“We do not see any change in the approach of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who has given us assurance about the formulation of the policy on the community”, he said.

Bhat further asked “How long will they have to wait for the government to rehabilitate them in the Valley”.

“It seems that no political power and party will ensure permanent settlement and comprehensive rehabilitation of 7 lakh Pandits in the Valley”, he said.

The community members are still holding temporary ration cards since the past 26 years in this country, he said.

PTI