In the wake of the recent killing of a Kashmiri Pandit in Budgam, the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday urged the Centre to take steps to ensure the security of the community.
Rahul Bhat, who had got the job of a clerk under the special employment package for migrants in 2010-11, was gunned down by terrorists inside the tehsil office in Chadoora town of central Kashmir's Budgam district on Thursday. In an online briefing, the chief minister said that a Kashmiri Pandit was killed inside his office by terrorists and it felt like a premeditated killing.
“The Indian Army killed two terrorists in just 24 hours after the incident. But today a question plagues the nation — why aren’t the Kashmiri Pandits safe in Kashmir even today?,” said Kejriwal. “A large number of Kashmiri Pandit youths were sent back to work in Kashmir under a special package. After this incident, all Kashmiri Pandits living in the region are completely terrified. When these people set out to protest to voice their anger against the brutal killing, they were met with brute action. They were stopped. Their voices were suppressed. They had to face teargas and lathicharge,” said Kejriwal.
“This is not the time for anyone to play politics. This is not a political issue but a national issue. Kashmiri Pandits want security. They don’t feel safe there,” said Kejriwal. “If Kashmiri Pandits don’t get proper security in their homeland then how will the Kashmiri migrants living all over the country rehabilitate to their homes? There won’t be any assurance greater than law and order that will motivate them to rehabilitate the valley,” said Kejriwal.
“With folded hands I request the Centre, please do whatever you can and help the Kashmiri Pandits lead a dignified life. No matter how much it costs, every provision needed must be implemented,” Kejriwal added.