Jammu, Mar 28: Suggesting an inter-community dialogue, the independent MLA from Langate in north Kashmir, Engineer Abdur Rashid Sheikh on Sunday said the misunderstandings and mistrusts need to be removed between majority community and Kashmiri Pandits to ensure the latter’s return.
 “Situation in the Valley has improved and time is opportune for the Kashmiri Pandits to return. Time and situation has created a wedge between the two communities over these years and it is necessary to initiate a dialogue and reconciliation process between the two communities to create and atmosphere of trust and understanding,” Engineer Rashid told a news conference here.
 He said that Kashmir valley was incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits. “They have made a historic contribution to the culture and heritage of the Valley,” he added.
 “We understand the security concerns of our Pandit brothers. They need to understand that in the given situation but it is the neighbours and friends who could provide a secure atmosphere instead of the administration or security forces,” he added.
 Earlier the MLA held a discussion with the representatives of Kashmir Pandits. Both sides stressed on need to formulate ‘Pandit-Muslim Peace Committees’ for addressing apprehensions and as confidence building measure before finalizing the return module of the community.
 Dr MT Krishan, a social activist, appealed the MLA to act as a bridge between KPs and government for ensuring preservation of KP community as ethnic minority while Chand Ji Kaw pleaded for compact rehabilitation of KP with ensured retention by the government.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 28 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST