Tulmulla, Jun 22: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said the people in the Valley want Kashmiri Pandits to return and expressed hope that the day will not be far.
He, however, said that the Pandit community should make efforts in this regard as well.
Abdullah was speaking during his visit to the Kheer Bhawani temple in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district during the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani.
“It is the blessings of this deity that we are seeing brotherhood, which had been missing for many years, prevail again. We pray that the day is not far when Kashmiri Pandits return to their homes and live amongst us,” the three-time chief minister told reporters.
He, however, asserted that the community as well has to make efforts for their return.
“I think people have to try themselves. Unless they make attempts, they cannot come. Preparations have been made, people in the Valley want them to return. We also pray for their early return,” he said.
Abdullah said the government has taken several steps to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits.
Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits from across the country thronged the Ragnya Devi temple here to celebrate the mela on Zaisht Ashtami festival.
