Aam Aadmi Party's massive win and Arvind Kejriwal taking over as Delhi CM has once again raised hopes of Kashmiri Pandits residing in the national capital. The migrated community which has been living in Delhi for a long time now wants Kejriwal to come out in support of Kashmiri Pandits and make sure that they return to their homeland.
"We have supported Sheila Dikshit for 15 years, three consecutive terms. But Sheila Dikshit could not fullfil the promises made to Kashmir's displaced people who have been in living in exile for several year, have been displaced and dispossessed of their assets back home," said Rajendra Premji, a migrated Kashmiri Pandit.
He said Kashmiri Pandits want action on the promise to regularise contractual teachers, migrant tehbazari sites (stall holders), registration of migrants, re-organisation of family structure in cash assistance, enhancement in monthly assistance, more employment opportunities, school and college admissions for better life.
Leaders and organisers of Kashmiri Pandits living in Delhi will meet Kejriwal and raise these issue, said Rajendra Premi.
"Kashmiri Pandits wanted a change in government in Delhi and thus we voted for Arvind Kejriwal in order to make him the CM. We hope the problems of the people will be addressed. Kashmiri Pandits are fighting for their rights for a long times now," said a Kashmiri Pandit associated with AAP.
Another Kashmiri Pandit Dr HK Kaul hoped that in view of Kejriwal massive majority in Delhi Assembly polls, there will be no opposition and he would be able to fulfil promises made during elections with the help of Central government.
Many Pandits have been displaced over the last 60 years ago with the big migration from Kashmir starting in the late 1980s and early 90s. They expect Kejriwal work for their welfare, safety, security, education and employment.
"We displaced people have always warned to go back to our roots, homeland in Kashmir valley. But we are unable to do so because terrorism has not fully been wiped out from the valley," said a Pandit.
The government, too, has not been very proactive in ensuring their return in view of the recent militant activities and firing at LoC by Pakistan.
BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi started working to ensure the return of Kashmiri Pandits back to the valley. Modi also made an allocation of Rs 500 crore to rehabilitate Pandits in the valley. The community is also expecting the proposed PDP-BJP government will work on ensuring their return.
But they are also worried about the time consuming process but say the time has come for a better and concrete action. "Central government, J&K government and Kejriwal government can work together for kashmiri Pandits," said Rajendra Premi.
He added that in order to return to the valley, a security zone should be establish the Pandits from any kind of untoward incidents, the property of Pandits should be returned or the value of the property should be paid to them and special quota regarding employment should provided for the unemployed youth.
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