In order to fulfill its old dream of ‘counterweighing’ the Muslim majority of Kashmir, Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given proposal for composite township plan for displaced Kashmiri Pundits in Occupied Kashmir. According to well-informed sources, the township plan proves that Narendra Modi’s BJP government is moving at a fast pace to act in line with its agenda on held Valley as highlighted in its election manifesto or the so-called Common Minimum Programme. This plan is being declared as ‘Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pundits’ but in fact it is aimed at changing the demographic profile of the held Valley and achieving the BJP’s envisaged status in Occupied Kashmir. Obviously, it will generate consequential impact on plebiscite/elections as well. The sources, disclosing the relevant figures, told The News that the total number of families to be settled in the held Valley ranges between 60,000 and 62,000 families. These families are currently settled all across India. In the initial phase, 10,000 families will be settled for which four towns are being planned meaning thereby that the initial phase of the plan envisages settlement of 2,500 families per town. Locations identified for this ‘demographic change’ project include two towns/settlements in Srinagar and the remaining two in Anantnag. According to the data available, a financial assistance package has also been finalised that includes: Reconstruction of fully or partially damaged house – Indian rupees 7.5 lakh per Pundit family; Repair of dilapidated houses per Pundit family – INR 2 lakh and purchase of a new home per Pundit family in Group/Housing Societies – INR 7.5 lakh.
