J&K govt says no land allotted for Sainik colonies

 A day after separatists threatened 2008 like agitation over establishing Sainik colony and separate townships for Kashmiri Pandits, the state government on Thursday reiterated that no land has been allotted anywhere for the purpose.

“Government is trying for dignified return of Kashmir Pandits. And if the Hurriyat or mainstream parties have any objections with the plan, it can be debated. I appeal the separatists and mainstream parties that if you find any objections, kindly tell us how to go,” government spokesman and Minister for education told reporters in a hurriedly called press conference here.

“There is a consensus on the return of the Kashmiri Pandits. But how will we bring them back. Let us have a debate on it and let the civil society lead the debate. We will follow if the civil society leads the campaign,” he said.

On the reports of establishment of Sainik colony in Kashmir, Akhtar said that the proposal and demand for it by state subjects ex-servicemen has been going on for long time. “But no land has been identified yet as the Sainik Board has been told that there is no land available,” he clarified.