Ganderbal, June 16, KNT: Former Sadr-e-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir and senior Congress leader Dr Karan Singh on Tuesday expressed hope that an understanding between the United States and Iran would succeed, provided there is no attempt to derail the process.
Talking to reporters during his visit to the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla, Dr Karan Singh said the ongoing conflict has affected the entire world and that peace remains the need of the hour.
“The possibility of a peace deal between the United States and Iran appears to exist, provided it is not sabotaged by the Israel. The war has impacted the entire world and economic conditions are deteriorating. We hope peace ultimately prevails,” he said.
Commenting on the return of Kashmiri Pandits, Dr Karan Singh said the community remains an integral part of Kashmiri society. However, he observed that a large number of Pandits have now settled outside Kashmir and many among the younger generation are reluctant to return permanently.
“Kashmiri Pandits are part of our society. Most have settled outside Kashmir and many of their children do not wish to return, but they are always welcome if they choose to come back,” Singh as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said.
Referring to the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Dr Karan Singh expressed satisfaction over the arrangements being made for the annual pilgrimage and said the government has taken necessary measures for the smooth conduct of the yatra.
Recalling his own pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave Shrine in 1953, he said the scale of the yatra has changed dramatically over the decades.
“When I visited the cave shrine in 1953, only around five thousand pilgrims used to undertake the pilgrimage. Today, the number has increased to several lakhs,” he said. [KNT]
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