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New Delhi: Rejecting outright the reported suggestion of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist group for their return, Kashmiri Pandit groups insisted that the situation in the valley was yet not conducive for such a step as the minority community continued to be targeted by the terrorists.

"We cannot return to the valley in a situation where minorities continue to be targeted by terrorists and the recent strike on Vaishnodevi pilgrims in Katra is a clear example," Panun Kashmir general secretary Ramesh Manvati said.

"We will return to our ancestral valley as and when we ourselves feel that atmosphere is conducive for it," he said and added that the community did not "bank upon suggestions by any individual terrorist or organisation" in this regard.

Kashmiri Samiti president Sunil Shakdher termed Hizb's offer as an attempt to "befool the international community".

"The terrorist threat will continue to loom large over Pandits till Pakistan's abetment of terrorism and infiltration continues. In such a situation, the return of the community members would make them cannon- fodder," he maintained.

PTI