Srinagar, Oct 12: National Conference chief Dr Farooq Abdullah today joined Kashmiri Pandits in the Dussehra festival in Srinagar and stated that the new government in J&K will work for the rehabilitation and return of Kashmiri Pandits.
“I am happy to be part of this event today. I was an MP for five years but was never invited to these events. Today, I was invited and I am here,” Dr Farooq told reporters on the sidelines of the Dusshera festival in Srinagar.
The NC chief said that the new dispensation will ensure rehabilitation and dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits back to their roots. “We will take Kashmiri Pandits, Dogras, Kashmiris, Jammuites, Buddhists, and anyone living in J&K, on board and keep the flock together. We want KPs to return and live a dignified life again. I believe the time has come when they should return,” he said.
In a message to the Jammu people, Dr Farooq said: “People of Jammu should know that we are not their enemies. We will take them along in our march towards good governance.”
NC chief said another slogan was raised always when the late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was in power. “Sher-e-Kashmir ka Irshad, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh Etihad. We believe in this very slogan. This means to keep all sects and sections together,” he said.
To a query about whether political dignitaries have been invited for the oath ceremony, he said: “Yes all have been invited but dates need to be conveyed to them. We haven’t got the date yet from Rajbhawan. Let the president’s rule end first and new government take over.”
Yesterday evening, the Chief Minister designate Omar Abdullah presented letters of support from NC, Congress, CPI(M), and four independents. He also staked a claim for government formation.
