NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 27(NVI): National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah paid a heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, highlighting his significant contributions to the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
Speaking to the media, Abdullah acknowledged the depth of Dr. Singh’s commitment to the welfare of the displaced community, saying, “If there was anyone who took steps to rehabilitate our Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir, it was Dr. Manmohan Singh.”
Abdullah elaborated on the challenges faced by the Kashmiri Pandit community, who had been displaced from the Valley during the insurgency in the 1990s. He praised Dr. Singh for his foresight in addressing their plight. “Dr. Singh took tangible steps to help the Kashmiri Pandit community return to their homeland. His initiatives were not just promises, but concrete actions that offered hope for a better future,” Abdullah added.
The National Conference leader also reflected on Dr. Singh’s pragmatic approach to the region’s problems, stating, “Only those who work are criticized, but Dr. Singh’s efforts for the welfare of the Kashmiri Pandits, as well as his initiatives to bring peace and stability to Jammu and Kashmir, will always be remembered.” Dr. Singh’s government took significant steps to ease the return of Kashmiri Pandits, providing them with opportunities for resettlement and reintegration into the Valley. The creation of specific welfare programs and the push for security and infrastructure development were central to his efforts.
Abdullah also highlighted Dr. Singh’s larger legacy in Kashmir, pointing out that the former Prime Minister’s initiatives weren’t limited to the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits but extended to fostering economic development and addressing the aspirations of all communities in the region.
Dr. Singh’s approach to Jammu and Kashmir was rooted in a belief in peaceful coexistence and the importance of addressing the historical grievances of the people, something that continues to resonate with many in the region. His legacy, especially in terms of the rehabilitation process for Kashmiri Pandits, remains an integral part of the ongoing dialogue about the Valley’s future.(News Vibes of India)