STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Ajay Kumar Sadhotra along with other party leaders visited Kheer Bhawani Temple at Jagti and Janipur and paid obeisance and participated in the Arti at Janipur Temple.
After paying obeisance and participating in the Aarti, Sadhotra greeted the Kashmiri Pandits on the holy occasion of Jayeshta Ashwani and prayed for peace and tranquility in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that the KPs have been contributing immensely in the development and harmonious growth of Jammu, which most of them have made their second home for the past over two and half decades. He wished them a prosperous future and fulfillment of dreams of the young boys and girls, who are pursuing their academics and careers, braving all odds.
Lauding their strong sense of culture and spirit of assimilation, Sadhotra has acknowledged the niche carved out by Kashmiri Pandits for themselves beyond the territorial boundaries across the world.
“Despite being cosmopolitan in character, Kashmiri Pandits are deeply rooted with their culture, ethos and the land of ancestors”, Sadhotra said while interacting with the devotees at Kheer Bhawani Janipur here – a replica of most revered Kheer Bhawani at Tulmulla in Kashmir- on the auspicious occasion of Jayeshtha Ashwani late last evening.
He said by dint of determination, hard work and devotion, Kashmiri Pandits have left an indelible mark of their presence, especially in the corporate sector of the country. “Braving most difficult times, they have shown tremendous degree of resilience, which is inspiring”, he said and referred to the mark made by young Kashmiri Pandits in different walks of life across the country and beyond its boundaries.
Sadhotra said that despite carving out a place for themselves in their present dwelling places, Kashmiri Pandits’ love for their land of ancestors is unflinching.
“During my interactions with cross section of Pandits, I have always found them yearning for peace and normalcy back in the Valley that depicts their sense of loss”, he said, adding that same nostalgic feelings.
He, however, lamented that notwithstanding tall claims and plethora of promises, the BJP has failed to create a conducive atmosphere for their safe and dignified return to their homes and hearths in the Valley. In fact, they have been made to suffer on every front, he added.
“National Conference believes, like the majority brethren of the Valley, that Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits”, Sadhotra said, adding that they were part of the rich Kashmir history and one of the beautiful flowers of the beautiful garden on this earth.
He exuded confidence that given the goodwill on both the sides of the separated people the day is not far when they will again rehabilitate their homes and hearths. He said, Kashmiris irrespective of religious affiliations crave for living in the spirit of Valley’s composite culture.
Others present on the occasion are Ayub Malik, Ankush Abrol, Chander Mohan Sharma, Abdul Gani Teli, Laxmi Datta, Rakesh Kumar Pahalwan, Gurnam Singh, Harshvardhan, Sandeep Singh Wazir, Sahil Kerni, Tejinder Singh, Prabhat Kapai, Arun Pal, Randhir Singh, Sahil Chib, Shabir Sambyal, Som Raj Taroch, Ajay Kumar, Rahul Mahajan and Inder Pal Singh.