Central government wants Kashmiri Pandits to return to Kashmir: LG Manoj Sinha

ANI March 31, 2025 213 views

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reaffirmed the central government's commitment to facilitating the return of Kashmiri Pandits to Kashmir during a Navreh event. He highlighted the investments made in jobs and accommodations to support this initiative. AIKS, led by Ravinder Pandita, is advocating for the minority status of Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir with central authorities. These efforts underscore the cultural and spiritual bonds that Kashmiri Pandits share with Kashmir, which LG Sinha acknowledged during his address.

"The central government wants you to return, and we are constantly trying to create a better atmosphere for that." - Manoj Sinha
Jammu, March 30: Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that the central government is committed to facilitating the return of Kashmiri Pandits to Kashmir and is continuously working to create an environment conducive to their return.

Key Points

1

LG Sinha stresses the collective effort needed for Kashmiri Pandits' return

2

Highlights central government measures for rehabilitation with jobs and housing

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AIKS pushes for Kashmiri Pandits' minority status with central government

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Emphasizes cultural and spiritual significance of Kashmir during Navreh celebration

Speaking at an event organised on the occasion of 'Navreh' (Hindu New Year) at Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, LG Sinha said, "When it comes to the question of returning to Kashmir, I believe it should be a collective effort. The central government wants you to return, and we are constantly trying to create a better atmosphere for that."

Congratulating the Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion of Navreh, LG Sinha said, "J-K is known as Sharda Peeth in the country. The next generation should take this 'Sankalp' to celebrate these nine days for Nari Shakti." He added, "J-K is the spiritual centre of India, and people and many great men have done spiritual practices on this land. The Navreh festival symbolizes spirituality, devotion, and dedication."

The Indian government has taken several steps to support the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, including the creation of 3,000 additional state government jobs and 6,000 transit accommodations in the Kashmir Valley, with investments of Rs 1,080 crore and Rs 920 crore, respectively.

Last month, the All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), led by its president Ravinder Pandita, met with Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, in New Delhi

According to a press release, during the meeting, AIKS presented a memorandum seeking the declaration of Kashmiri Pandits as a minority community and the establishment of a dedicated commission to address their concerns within the Jammu & Kashmir region.

Pandita discussed the current situation of Kashmiri Hindus, pointing out the irony that they are considered a minority in Jammu & Kashmir but a majority in the union territory as a whole.

"This issue also applies to a few other states," said the minister. He listened attentively to the points raised by AIKS, including the urgent need for a Minorities Commission in Jammu & Kashmir, the official declaration of Kashmiri Pandits as minorities, and referenced the Supreme Court's 2018 direction in the petition filed by Ankur Sharma as well as the Justice Venkatachaliah NHRC report.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is a positive step forward! My grandparents still talk about their home in Kashmir with such nostalgia. Hope the community can return safely and rebuild their lives there 🙏
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Priya M.
While the intentions seem good, I wonder if the ground reality has really changed enough for Kashmiri Pandits to feel safe returning? The government should focus more on social harmony programs first.
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Amit S.
The job creation and housing investments are substantial. At least there's some concrete action being taken rather than just empty promises. Hope this works out for the community!
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Neha T.
My Kashmiri Pandit friend's family still has their ancestral home there but they're too scared to visit. The government needs to ensure long-term security, not just temporary measures.
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Sanjay R.
The minority status issue is complex but important. If Kashmiri Pandits are a minority in J&K but majority in the UT, how does that affect their rights? Needs clearer policies.
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Meena P.
Beautiful to see Navreh being celebrated! The cultural heritage of Kashmir is so rich and diverse. Hope all communities can preserve and celebrate it together someday ❤️

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Tags:
Manoj Sinha Kashmiri Pandits Jammu and Kashmir Indian Government Rehabilitation Minority Status
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