New Delhi, June 9 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee Monday said the government will ensure that the Kashmiri Pandits return to the Valley with full “dignity” and “security”.
“Special efforts will be made to ensure that Kashmiri Pandits return to the land of their ancestors with full dignity, security and assured livelihood,” the president said while addressing the joint session of both houses of parliament.
The announcement led to thunderous applause with many members thumping their desk.
Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits left the Valley in 1990 following an upsurge in armed violence, often aimed against them, by separatist groups.
Recently, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh stirred up a controversy declaring that the new government has started the process for repealing Article 370 which accords special status to Jammu and Kashmir. However, later the minister said he was misquoted by the media.
In its election manifesto, the BJP had promised repealing Article 370 after consultation with all stakeholders.
The president also emphasised on improving the intra-region connectivity and border infrastructure in the northeast as well as in Jammu and Kashmir.