SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday asserted that Kashmir remains incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, emphasising that their dignified return to their homeland with security, confidence and dignity remains a firm commitment towards restoring the region’s historical heritage and human values.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating transit accommodation flats at Zewan in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said the return of Kashmiri Pandit families was essential to preserving Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual identity.
“The dignified return of Kashmiri Pandit families is a commitment towards restoring the historical heritage of Kashmir and reinstating human dignity,” Sinha said, adding that the region’s natural, cultural and spiritual beauty would be complete when these families could live in their homeland with dignity, security and confidence.
Referring to the families being provided accommodation under the Prime Minister’s Development Package, Sinha said every flat represented a family whose journey had been marked by struggle, patience, waiting and hope.
The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated 936 transit accommodation flats at Zewan and virtually inaugurated two additional residential complexes at Kankarmal in Budgam district and Toham Bagh in Kupwara district, taking the total number of flats inaugurated to 1,416.
He said the project envisages the construction of 6,000 flats across 20 locations in 10 districts of Jammu and Kashmir through 342 residential blocks. Around 5,200 flats have been completed so far, while approximately 3,800 have been allotted to employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s Development Package.
Sinha said the project was initially approved at an estimated cost of ₹920 crore, which was subsequently revised to ₹1,325 crore. Its implementation had faced delays following the devastating floods of 2014, he added.
The Lieutenant Governor said the commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was now taking shape on the ground, providing displaced Kashmiri Pandit families with accommodation and an opportunity to rebuild their lives in the Valley.
Stressing the need for sustained administrative support, Sinha directed the authorities to ensure proper maintenance of the residential complexes, with regular water supply, uninterrupted electricity, adequate security and effective waste management.
“No resident should feel that the administration’s attention has ended immediately after the inauguration,” he said, underlining that the responsibility of the administration extended beyond the construction and handover of the flats.
He also assured employees appointed under the Prime Minister’s Development Package that the administration would extend all possible assistance to those willing to construct their own houses.
Congratulating the beneficiary families, Sinha expressed hope that the newly inaugurated accommodation would provide them with a secure and dignified living environment, while reinforcing efforts to facilitate the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in their homeland.
