Srinagar, Jun 13 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today described “homecoming” of uprooted Kashmiri Pandits as the “truest victory” and urged members of the community across the globe to invest in the Union Territory by establishing industries, educational institutions and cultural centres.
He was addressing a gathering here of business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals from the Kashmiri Pandit diaspora.
He described the event as a “moment of transformation” and said it reflected growing confidence in the peace and stability of Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to the dislocation of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in the 1990s, Sinha said the community had endured “genocide, exile and struggle” but chose to rebuild its future through hard work and determination.
The entire community of Kashmiri Pandits was forced to leave the Valley, their ancestral homeland, because of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism during as they were targeted for their faith.
“Hardship never broke the spirit of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Suffering did not silence their ambition. Instead, they shaped their own destiny by building industries, founding institutions, driving innovation and earning respect across the world,” the Lt Governor said.
Sinha called upon members of the community to contribute to Jammu and Kashmir’s development by setting up industries and institutions that would preserve their heritage while creating opportunities for future generations.
He said discussions at the conclave on economic partnerships and institution-building could serve as a roadmap for cultural revival, economic empowerment and community restoration.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the community would play a significant role in the country’s journey towards a developed India.
The conclave was attended by prominent members of the Kashmiri Pandit community from India and abroad, besides senior officials of the civil administration and police.(NVI)
