Rakesh Koul Urges Government Action Following Mattan Fire, Stresses Importance of Protecting Kashmiri Pandits

Jammu, 31-07-2024: Rakesh Koul (Ex Sarpanch from Brah, Anantnag, and Social Activist) has called on both the local administration and the central government to take strict action against those involved, either directly or indirectly, in the fire incident that gutted more than three houses in Mattan, Anantnag. This incident, which occurred in Razdan Mohalla, raises concerns about the safety of the area, especially for those who believe that everything is well in Kashmir. These residential houses are located in a region where security for Shri Amarnath Yatris is crucial as they travel to Baba Barfani Darshan.

Koul urges all leading agencies, including both central and state authorities, to ensure the safe rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. He emphasizes the need for thorough monitoring and consultation with the Kashmiri Pandit community to address their safety and rehabilitation effectively.

In his conversation with the media, Koul strongly condemned this incident and highlighted that most people from both communities have been feeling positive in recent years. This improved sentiment is partly due to the reopening of some Hindu shrines that had been closed since the 1990s, which he attributes to a positive approach taken by the majority community.