Bharatiya Janata Party today exuded confidence that displaced Kashmiri Pandits would soon return with dignity and honour to the Valley, stating that the situation is taking a big turnaround due to relentless efforts of the government and pro-active support of the people.Pradesh President Ravinder Raina, while speaking at a Navreh Milan function, held at the migrant township of Jagti, in the Jammu peripheries this evening, organized by BJP leader Mr Anil Dhar, said that the visionary government, led by Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, has taking several path breaking initiatives to restore peace and normalcy, prerequisite for mutual co-existence and faster development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to the safeguard of shrines and temples across the Valley, Mr Raina vehemently supported the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Temples Bill, saying this will assuage the aspirations of the Pandit community.The Pradesh President lauded the contribution of Kashmiri Pandits, especially in the field of academics, saying they are continuing to be cultural ambassadors from Kashmir in their temporary settlements across the country and even abroad.
Ravinder Raina said that the Valley is traversing to an era of peace for the last two years in particular with stone pelting and hartals becoming the malady of the past. This appears to be uncomfortable for peace inimical elements unleashed by the neighbouring country, who, in a fit of frustration, have now resorted to selective attacks on the soft targets, which is an affront and challenge to peace loving majority in Kashmir, he said, adding, “I join them in condemning the inhuman and barbaric attacks on innocent civilians, including non-locals and a Kashmiri Pandit shopkeeper”.Mr Raina greeted the people on Navreh and wished them well being and prosperity.Speaking on the occasion, Senior BJP leader Mr Devender Singh Rana expressed anguish and grave concern over the targeted and selective terror attacks in the Valley in the past two days, saying that time has come when the people of Kashmir should rise against the alien gun culture, thrust by elements inimical to peace and sustained by vested interests in the political establishment and the separatist camp, to reinvigorate the spirit of the bruised Kashmiryat.Mr Rana exhorted the silent majority of Kashmiris to reassert and isolate those inflicting scars on their glorious ethos of inclusiveness and take lead in retrieving the glory of the land of suffis and saints.
He referred to an anecdote shared by a Kashmiri Pandit while arriving to participate in the Navreh Milan that during the golden era of peace in the Valley, the Kashmiris-- Hindus, Muslim and Sikhs-- used to be alarmed on watching red skies, believing it to be a bad omen of some innocents’ blood having been spilled somewhere. With such a sentimental attachment with the concept of non-violence, how long Kashmiris can witness a helplessly unabated trail of bloodshed in their backyards by the enemies of their culture and ethos, he asked.Mr Rana lauded the resilience and fortitude of the Kashmiri Pandits in braving the vicissitudes of wilderness during the long spell of their displacement and said that despite ignominy they held pens rather than guns to overcome the obstacles created in their lives. Same is true about the vast mass of the majority community in the Valley who never let go of their unflinching faith in Kashmiriyat as the genes of both the communities carry instincts of peace, compassion and tranquility. However, he added that muteness over wrongs happening in surroundings is taken as licence by the perpetrators of violence to carry on their misadventures.
So, the time has come to rise against the violence brokers and preachers to restore the idea of Kashmir, which is akin to the idea of India, he said.Greeting the people on Navreh celebrations, Mr Devender Rana prayed for the time to come when the displaced people will celebrate their festivals like Navreh in the scenic gardens and valleys of Kashmir along with their Muslim brethren. He said both the communities are feeling nostalgic about the yesteryears and craving for Kashmir to get back its glorious golden era.Speaking on the occasion, BJP leader Mr Anil Dhar greeted the people and exuded confidence that the day is not far when they will rehabilitate their homes and hearths again.“This is not the occasion to narrate our woes and sorrows; it is time to take a pledge to return back to our homes with glory and pride”, Mr Dhar added.The Navreh Milan was marked by a cultural programme depicting the diverse culture of the Valley and singing folklores highlighting the scenic splendor and cultural treasure of Kashmir. Prominent among those present in the Navreh Milan included Pradesh Vice President Mr Shakti Raj Parihar, Mr Daleep Singh Parihar Ex MLA Bhaderwah, Mr Rajeev Sharma Ex MLA Akhnoor, Mr Rohit Dubey Seh Prabhari Reasi, Mr Chand Ji Bhat, Prof. BL Zutshi, Prof. Mr A K Munshi, Mr S.K Gadoo, Mr R K Bakaya, Mr M K Koul, Mr M K Bangroo Mr T K Dhar, Mr Roop Krishan, Mr Pintu Ji, Pt. Rameshwar Dutt, Mr Mohd Iqbal, Mr Zorawar Singh, Mr Kulbushan Singh, Mr Joginder Lal, Mr Mahinder Singh, Mr Ashok Singh Manhas, S. Such Singh and others.