Kashmiri Pandits demonstrate demanding security for minority community

Jammu: Expressing concern over their safety, Kashmiri Pandits on Monday demonstrated here demanding security for their residential areas following an attack on a colony of the migrant employees in south Kashmir during the violence in the Valley.

The protesters said the "stone pelting" attack has created fear among migrant employees living in areas like Haal in Pulwama, Vessu and Mattan in Anantnag and other places in north and central Kashmir.

"The KP employees, who volunteered to serve in the Valley, feel scared due the present happenings there as their lives are in danger. We urge the government to ensure their security," President of Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS), R K Bhat said.

Maintaining that the present scenario in Kashmir Valley poses a "new challenge" for the minority community, including the employees of Prime Minister's package, the protesters said it is the responsibility of the majority community to protect the rights of the minority community.

Meanwhile, expressing concern about the safety and security of Hindus living in Kashmir, Panun Kashmir today urged the state and the Centre to shun their "indecisiveness" and perform there constitutional duty of protecting the life and property of the minority community.

"The fundamentalist upsurge being witnessed in Kashmir following the killing of dreaded terrorist Burhan is fast taking the form of a genocidal assault on the Hindus living in the Valley," Panun Kashmir Convenor Dr Agnishakher said.

Panun Kashmir Chairman Dr Ajay Chrungoo claimed that Hindu transition camps in Hall, Vessu, Mattan, Sheikhpora and other places have been the target of stone pelting by the communal mobs.

"The frenzy of these mobs have brazen genocidal intentions. It is shocking that the government has been lethargic to respond to such a situation," Chrungoo said.

"We are witnessing one more cycle of religious cleansing unleashed on Hindus of Kashmir," he claimed.

Jagti Tenement Committee (JTC) and Soan Kashmir Front (SKF) also expressed their concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Kashmir valley following Wani's killing.

"The migrant community and employees putting in transit camps were subjected to stone pelting, thereby damaging quarters and vehicles of the community members. It has created a sense of fear and insecurity among them," President of JTC, S L Pandita said.

He alleged that PDP-BJP government has failed to curb militancy and provide necessary security to the migrants putting up in Kashmir.

"Various minority places and temples in Kashmir valley and also Amarnath yatris have been targeted by the militants and the anti-social elements. The government is a mere spectator to all the happenings," Pandita said.

He said separatists should desist from actions which may put to Kashmiri Pandits to any sufferings.

"I warn communal forces in Kashmir to mend their ways, otherwise face consequences," he added.