Srinagar 06 March(KNB): In a significant gesture of reconciliation and hope, Kashmiri leader and senior Supreme court lawyer Ashok Bhan, has extended a warm welcome to Prime Minister Shri Narender Modi on his forthcoming visit to the Kashmir Valley.
In a statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Bureau-KNB Bhan said that the Prime Minister’s visit, scheduled for March 7th, is anticipated with great enthusiasm by the local populace, who are eager to greet him in Srinagar, the summer capital,
The region, which has seen its share of challenges, is witnessing a resurgence of peace and stability. With the containment of militancy, the atmosphere in the valley has become free and fearless, allowing educational institutions to reopen after the winter break. Students are returning to their academic and sports activities with renewed vigor, and there is an optimistic forecast for a tourism boom, he said.
Kashmiri society stands at a pivotal juncture, reflecting on its rich heritage of peaceful coexistence, liberal Islamic traditions, and the cultural tapestry woven by its Sufi saints—a heritage known as ‘Kashmiriyat’. This introspection comes after years of turmoil caused by violence, which had threatened to undermine the region’s ethos.
The community, predominantly Muslim, is now looking forward to embracing a pluralistic, democratic, and modern way of life. This sentiment is expected to manifest in a large turnout at the Prime Minister’s rally, symbolizing a collective decision to pursue a future marked by pluralism and mutual coexistence.
In a move that underscores the valley’s commitment to its historical identity, leaders from various political and civil society groups, including religious figures, have called upon the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community to return and join hands in restoring the region’s glorious civilizational ethos. The valley, revered as a cradle of science, innovation, and spirituality, is deemed incomplete without the active presence and contribution of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
As the Prime Minister’s visit draws near, there is palpable anticipation for announcements that could shape the future of the region. The people of Kashmir are hopeful for commitments on the establishment of major industries to boost employment, the restoration of the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, the scheduling of assembly elections, and a structured plan for the return of the exiled Kashmiri Pandit community to the valley, he further said.(KNB)