Srinagar: A delegation of Kashmiri Pandits today called on the incarcerated chairman of Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Shabir Ahmad Shah at his Sanat Nagar residence here. The delegation was led by Chaman Lal and Bhansi Lal.
On the occasion, Shah told them that both the people of Kashmir and the pro-freedom leadership are waiting for their return to Valley as they are the indigenous inhabitants of the State.
Shah asked the delegation as to what role he can play regarding their return to Valley. He told them that New Delhi and the then governor of J&K under a well-devised conspiracy threw Kashmiri Pandits out of Valley.
“Even today, thousands of Pandit families live happily with their Muslim brethren in Valley. Both communities have been living together since centuries and our religion also stresses on taking utmost care of the minorities,” he said.
“Unfortunately, conspiracies are hatched to erode the demography of J&K wherein efforts are being made to settle the non-state subjects in the State which we will never approve of,” Shah added.
Talking on prevailing political situation in the State, Shah told the Pandit delegation that the right to self-determination is the right of every citizen of Jammu Kashmir. “We are in favour of meaningful dialogue between India, Pakistan, and the genuine leadership of Jammu Kashmir but unfortunately New Delhi is creating impediments in this regard thereby adding fuel to the fire already lit in the South Asian region,” he said.
“Even the Prime Minister of Pakistan is willing to talk (on Kashmir) but India is adamant and its leaders including home minister are continuously issuing provocative statement against Kashmiris and the neighbouring country. If New Delhi continues with such attitude, the peace in the subcontinent will remain a distant dream,” Shah asserted.
The DFP chairman said if Kashmir is resolved, India will touch new heights of success and prosperity.
Meanwhile, Shabir Ahmad Shah expressed strong resentment over the burning of shops in south Kashmir’s Islamabad due to police shelling and said J&K Police is also at war with people. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss incurred by traders, Shah said “we’re being targeted for harboring the pro-freedom sentiments”. (KNS)
