Set up ‘truth commission’ to probe Pandit exodus: BJP

Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 19

Seeking the establishment of a ‘truth commission’ to investigate the reasons for the exodus of 3.50 lakh Hindus from Kashmir in 1990, BJP legislators today protested outside the Legislative Council to express solidarity with the community.

Before the start of the session, MLCs wearing black badges held a demonstration outside the Council over the plight of Pandits living in exile for the past 28 years after their forced exodus from the Valley. They also protested against Pakistan for continued attacks in the civilian areas along the International Border and Line of Control.

Later, MLCs Ramesh Arora and Vikram Randhawa expressed concern over the continued plight of the militancy-hit victims. “While the Pandits suffered due to terrorism in Kashmir, people living along the LoC and the IB are the worst victims of Pakistan-backed insurgency. Pakistan is the root cause of the suffering of people and there is a need for a strong response,” Arora said.

During the zero hour, MLC GL Raina urged the government to restart the issuing of resident of backward area (RBA) certificates in favour of the Pandit youth, which was stopped a decade ago.