Expressing concern over the assault on Amarnath pilgrims at Batal on their way to the sacred shrine, Panun Kashmir has termed it as a nefarious design of the pan Islamic fundamentalists in the entire Kashmir valley.
Accusing the state government of adopting soft approach towards the fundamentalists in the Valley, chairman Panaun Kashmir Ajay Chrungoo said, "The violence towards the Hindu pilgrims does not appear to be an isolated event sparked by a minor altercation between some individuals. It was not an issue between two groups as is being made out by the state government, it has wider implications. More than 10 langars were torched, 100 more were damaged and over two dozen people were injured in the incident. It seems to be a glaring symptom of an upsurge in fundamentalism whose ambit and sway are increasing with each day."
Raising concern over the increasing fundamentalism in the Valley, Chrungoo pointed out, "It is shocking that the successive governments in the state and Centre continue to downplay the growing influence of pan Islamic ideology in the state."
Chrungoo also expressed shock over the statement of Mufti Bashiruddin opposing the return of Kashmiri Hindus. By not criticising such elements, the mainstream political parties in the state are acting as over ground workers of these fundamentalists, he alleged.
{{/usCountry}}Chrungoo also expressed shock over the statement of Mufti Bashiruddin opposing the return of Kashmiri Hindus. By not criticising such elements, the mainstream political parties in the state are acting as over ground workers of these fundamentalists, he alleged.
{{/usCountry}}The Panaun Kashmir urged the government to take note of pro-fundamentalists and anti-India slogans being raised by public during bandhs and demonstrations in Kashmir.
"Spontaneous protests and rallies result as and when a terrorist of LeT or other outfit is arrested or killed in the Valley", added Chrungoo.
Convener Punun Kashmir Agnishekar, who was also present during the press conference, on the return of Kashmiri pundits to the Valley, said, "Nothing short of centrally-administered territory in Kashmir for Kashmiri pundits and permanent rehabilitation would be acceptable to us".
The Panun Kashmir is a frontal organisation of the displaced Kashmiri Hindus.