Kashmiri Pandits are integral part of J&K: Omar

Kashmiri Pandits, whose sense of security was snatched in the '90s, are an integral part of the state and their return to the valley would be possible only when they again begin to feel safe, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has said.

The sense of security was snatched from them in 90's and only "when this sense is restored, their return to the valley will start", Omar said yesterday during the motion of thanks on the governor's address in the legislative council.
     
The chief minister said that although the Mumbai terror attacks have adversely affected Indo-Pak bilateral ties, good relations between the two neighbours are important for lasting peace in the region.
     
The government is open to dialogue with all shades of opinion and ready to facilitate it at other forums, he said.
     
Recalling the earlier initiatives by his father Farooq Abdullah to break the ice between the two countries by facilitating talks and four months of truce during the Vajpayee government, Omar said they were a good beginning which needs to be taken to its logical conclusion.

The government would again work for restoring the dialogue process and initiate political measures to resolve all issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir, he said.