Maharashtra: Shiv Sena Questions Centre's Step On Safety Of Kashmiri Pandits

In the wake of three major targeted attacks on Hindus and Kashmiri Pandits within the past few weeks in Kashmir Valley, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray expressed his concerns over the situation.

For the last few days, targeted killing of Kashmiri Pandits and Hindus has been going on in Kashmir Valley. Within a month, nine Kashmiri Pandits were assassinated. Hundreds of frightened Kashmiri Pandits have started fleeing. The whole country is outraged, Thackeray stated.

Releasing an official statement, CM Thackeray conveyed: “At this juncture, as the Shiv Sena party chief and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, I can promise that Maharashtra will stand firmly behind the Kashmiri Pandits in these difficult times. We will do whatever is possible for Kashmiri Pandits, we will not leave them in the lurch.”

कश्मीर खोऱ्यात सुरू असलेल्या काश्मिरी पंडित व हिंदूंच्या टार्गेट किलिंग'बाबत तीव्र चिंता व्यक्त करून, मुख्यमंत्री उद्धव बाळासाहेब ठाकरे यांनी, काश्मिरी पंडितांच्या मागे महाराष्ट्र ठामपणे उभा राहील आणि त्यांच्यासाठी जे जे शक्य होईल ते सर्व सहाय्य करील, अशी नि:संदिग्ध ग्वाही दिली.

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) June 4, 2022

Moreover, hitting out at BJP’s promise of homecoming to them, CM noted: “They were shown dreams of ‘ghar wapasi’, but on their return home, the Pandits are being picked and killed. In this horrific situation, a large number of Pandits started fleeing, which is a shocking as well as disturbing event. The exodus of Pandits is shocking.”

Meanwhile, commenting on this situation, Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray said that the state’s doors are always open to them. “We will support them (Kashmiri pandits). The situation there is quite unstable and worrying. Our doors are open for them. It is unfortunate that such situation is being repeated again at such times. We expect the Indian government to take strong steps to ensure their safety,” he added.

Sena's stand was further articulated by party spokesperson Sanjay Raut, who questioned the steps taken by union government on the matter. "Kashmir is burning again, the situation there is out of control & important people of Delhi (central government) are busy promoting films. No one is willing to listen to the Kashmiris," he exclaimed.

“Kashmiri Pandits are killed and forced to leave the valley. Those who promoted Kashmir Files are mum! Will they now make Kashmir Files-2 on the present situation? Will the PM promote this sequel as well? If history shouldn't be hidden, then shouldn't the present also be accepted,” Raut said in a tweet.