DHARMSHALA: Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, said that Kashmir happens to be the integral part of the country and the interests of the migrated Kashmiris were dear to the state government.  He was addressing the members of the Kashmiri Hindu Welfare Association, at Dharamshala, which  organized a Civic Reception in his honour at Dharamshala, late last evening.

Chief Minister said that Kashmiris had played significant role on all fronts including in the politics since a number of national leaders belonged to the state.  He said that the adverse circumstances  forced Kashmiri Hindus to migrate out of the state to find refuge there.  He said that it was unfortunate that people living in the state since generations were deprived of their legitimate right to stay back in their home land.  He said that he was concerned about the inconvenience being faced by migrated population in starting their living afresh in a new environment and among the different people.  He said that one could well understand the pain and agony families had been facing out of their home land and emphasized the need to crate congenial atmosphere with security to life and property back home so that people to return back to their ancestral homes.

Dhumal advised the Kashmiri Hindus living in the state that they needed to keep remain in touch with their rich cultural heritage and groom their children in their Kashmiri environment so that the cultural roots were maintained intact for the betterment of coming generations to be proud of their rich cultural heritage. He said that the social values of the Kashmiri society would help the coming generation grow into responsible citizens. He said that society would prosper by maintaining its social system, customs, traditions and cultural identity which could inspire the coming generations to move ahead on their future endeavours.

Chief Minister assured the Association of providing all possible assistance from the state government in granting eligible Kashmiris permission to purchase land for construction of their houses under the prevalent provisions of the state after observing all codal formalities.  He said that Himachal Pradesh happens to be the most peaceful state where life and property of the people were safe and protected and assured the migrated Kashmiris that the state would not be indifferent to their requirements and treat them at par with the residents of the state.

Satish Butt, President of the Association welcomed the Chief Minister while  B.N.Raina, veteran member read out the demand charter.

A Kashmiri variety cultural programme was presented by the Kashmiri children in honour of the Chief Minister.

Gulab Singh Thakur, PWD and Revenue Minister, J.P.Nadda, Forest Minister, Kishan Kapoor, Transport Minister, Sarveen Chaudhary, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, other dignitaries, K.K.Pant, Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Atul Fulzele, Superintendent of Police were prominent among others present on the occasion.