SRINAGAR: After a gap of 32 years, Kashmiri Pandits from different parts of the country on Friday thronged the Regenya Mata Asthapan temple at the Badipora area of Chadoora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district and performed Maha Yagye (Hawan).
They expressed joy over returning to their native village after a long time and celebrating the festival. They said the event was a “symbol of hope and reconciliation” for all the communities in the valley.
Setting an example of communal harmony and brotherhood, the local Muslims came together to extend best wishes to Pandits and helped the devotees in the smooth celebration of the religious event.
‘’This event was held after 32 years and we received a lot of love from the local residents,” a local devotee, Bhushan Lal Koul said, adding that the love and warmth they received from the muslim brethren made us all emotional.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam S F Hamid also paid a visit to the temple and participated in the Hawan.
“Seeing Muslims and Pandits attending each other’s functions after a 32-year break is a testament to our community’s brotherhood and solidarity,” the DC said, adding, “This event showcased the changing ground realities in the region where Kashmiri Pandits are gradually returning to their homes and rebuilding their lives.” (KNO)
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Saturday conducted raids in Achan village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama in connection with the killing of a Kashmir Pandit.
Quoting an official, KNO reported that SIA is conducting raids at Achan in connection with the investigation of killing of Kashmiri Pandit Sanjay Sharma.
He said the sleuths of the investigating agency assisted by the local police and CRPF are carrying out raids in the native village of Sharma.
Notably, Sanjay Sharma (40), who was working as a bank ATM guard, was killed by militants on February 26.
Srinagar, Mar 29: The Jammu & Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Saturday conducted raids in Achan village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama in connection with the killing of a Kashmir Pandit.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that SIA is conducting raids at Achan in connection with the investigation of killing of Kashmiri Pandit Sanjay Sharma.
He said the sleuths of the investigating agency assisted by the local police and CRPF are carrying out raids in the native village of Sharma.
Notably, Sanjay Sharma (40), who was working as a bank ATM guard, was killed by militants on February 26.
Srinagar: BJP workers on Sunday took out a silent candlelight protest in J&K’s Ganderbal district and other places against the killing of a Kashmiri Pandit by terrorists earlier in the day
BJP District President Mohammed Amin Shah led the protest at the clock tower in Ganderbal town against the killing of Pandit security guard at Pulwama this morning.
Terming the killing unfortunate and dark chapter in Kashmir, he told reporters that such incidents create sadness and distress among people of Kashmir.
“People want to leave violence and live peacefully with their families. Such incidents should not take place. Human life is precious and should not be wasted like this,” Shah said.
Many locals joined the protest. Similar protests were held at some other places in the Valley.
Sanjay Sharma, a local Kashmiri Pandit, who worked as a bank security guard, was killed by terrorists in his native village Achan in Pulwama.
Political leaders across the board including former Chief Ministers Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Ghulam Nabi Azad have condemned the killing.
Apni Party President, Syed Altaf Bukhari has also condemned the killing asserting that those responsible for such innocent killings are enemies of the people of J&K.
JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday attended the 3-day long Mahashivratri Mahotsav at Jagti Colony and Migrant Camp Buta Nagar.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha attended 3-day long Mahashivratri Mahotsav at Jagti Colony & Buta Nagar
In order to facilitate Kashmiri Pandit Community in Camps & Non-Camp Areas, Relief Organisation has brought together 20 Line Departments for the Mahashivratri Mahotsav.
Extending the greetings of Mahashivratri in advance, the Lt Governor said the festival is the celebration of Kashmiri culture & the spiritual-cultural heritage of the country.
It is the symbol of our ancient values and ethos. Kashmiri Pandit brothers & sisters living in different parts of the country & the world have kept this tradition alive, he added.
“Mahashivratri or Herath is the most important festival of Kashmiri Pandits & festivity has been aptly named ‘Waliv Samav- Let’s Come Together’ to celebrate & seek divine blessings of Lord Shiva. This is a welcome step by the Relief and Rehabilitation department,” said the Lt Governor.
Our festivals are also the source of self-awakening. I pray to Lord Shiva for the happiness, prosperity, good health and well-being of all, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor said, keeping in view Mahashivratri festival, full salaries of all PM package & other minority community employees who have resumed their duties in Kashmir have been released.
He also highlighted the initiatives of the administration for extension of seamless public service delivery to Kashmiri Pandit community at their doorsteps.
All the issues of the Migrant Kashmiri Pandit community are being taken up for their resolution with utmost sensitivity, said the Lt Governor.
Special Governance Camp is a testimony to our commitment for welfare of Kashmiri Pandit Community. The Department of Relief and Rehabilitation and other line departments are ensuring 100% saturation of the benefits of all social security schemes, entrepreneurship development schemes and skilling programs, added the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor urged all the members of the Kashmiri Pandit community to avail the benefits of the special camps. Administration is always ready to resolve all the genuine issues. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure that your problems & grievances are resolved promptly and effectively, he further added.
Jammu Kashmir Government always stands by you. Your safety is our top priority and we are taking all possible measures to ensure that. This is the commitment of the Government of India and Prime Minister, the Lt Governor said.
You have suffered a lot for three long decades. I pray that the day will come when you return to your homes with honour. I hope with your return Kashmir will find its lost glory, added the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor also shared the progress of construction of housing units for PM Package employees in Kashmir.
Earlier, it was difficult to get Land for construction of 6000 dwellings but now land has been identified and except for two sites, the work is in full swing. 1200 dwellings will be handed over by April and by December more than 2500 dwellings would be handed over, he informed.
Beneficiaries identified for various schemes during Special Governance Camp on 4th February were also handed over aids and authority letters on the occasion.
Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; KK Sidha, Commissioner, Relief & Rehabilitation and other senior officers were also present.
