Srinagar, Nov 01: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said Kashmir remained incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, asserting that their dignified return to their homeland with security, confidence and dignity is a commitment towards restoring the region’s historical heritage and human values.
“The dignified return of Kashmiri Pandit families is a commitment towards restoring the historical heritage of Kashmir and reinstating human dignity,” the LG said while addressing a gathering after inaugurating transit accommodation flats at Zewan in Srinagar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said the natural, cultural and spiritual beauty of Kashmir would attain completeness when Kashmiri Pandit families are able to live in their homeland with dignity, security and confidence.
“Behind every flat is a family and behind every family is a long story of struggle, patience, waiting and hope,” Sinha said, referring to the families being provided accommodation under the Prime Minister’s Development Package.
The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated 936 flats at Zewan and virtually inaugurated two other residential complexes at Kankarmal in Budgam and Toham Bagh in Kupwara, taking the total number of flats inaugurated to 1,416.
He said the project envisages construction of 6,000 flats across 20 locations in 10 districts through 342 residential blocks.
“About 5,200 flats have been completed so far, while approximately 3,800 have been allotted to PM Package employees,” he said.
Sinha said the project was initially approved at an estimated cost of Rs 920 crore, which was subsequently revised to Rs 1,325 crore, adding that its execution had faced delays following the 2014 floods.
He said the commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now beginning to take shape on the ground.
Calling for proper maintenance of the residential complexes, the LG stressed the need for 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.
Sinha also assured PM Package employees that the administration would extend all possible assistance to those willing to construct their own houses.
He congratulated the families who had received their new homes and expressed hope that the accommodation would provide them with a secure and dignified living environment.—(KNO)
