Srinagar, 17 June (H.S.): Former Sadr-e-Riyasat Dr. Karan Singh today lauded Kashmir's tradition of communal harmony and voiced hope for the return of more Kashmiri Pandits, calling them an integral part of the Valley's social and cultural fabric.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple at Tulmulla in district Ganderbal ahead of the annual mela, Singh said he was satisfied with the arrangements put in place by the shrine trust and the J&K Government.

The mela is about to begin and I have come here to review the preparations. I am happy with the arrangements. A new building has also been constructed, he said.

Singh said all efforts were being made to ensure a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees.

He added that prayers during the mela would be offered for peace and prosperity across the world.

India is doing well, but developments in other parts of the world also affect us. We pray that the global situation improves, he said.

Referring to the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, Singh described it as one of the country's most important pilgrimages and recalled his own visit to the holy cave shrine in 1953.Regional news coverage

I visited the cave shrine in 1953. Traditionally, many devotees visit Amarnath and then come to Kheer Bhawani, he said.

Singh said he had recently met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who assured him that all necessary arrangements for the annual pilgrimage had been put in place. Highlighting the growing popularity of the yatra, Singh said the number of pilgrims had increased dramatically over the decades. Earlier, only a few people undertook the yatra. Today, lakhs of devotees participate every year, he said.

On the issue of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, Singh said he had recently interacted with members of the community and reiterated his desire to see more of them return to the Valley.

Many have now settled in different parts of the country and abroad. However, those who wish to return are being facilitated by the Government, he said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar