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Key Points

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has described the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits as a stain on the Muslim community. She met with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, submitting a detailed proposal for the return and rehabilitation of the Pandit community. Mufti stressed the need for their political empowerment, advocating for reservations rather than nominations. She emphasized that this issue cannot be detached from Kashmiri Muslims and called for collective efforts to restore communal harmony.

Key Points: Mehbooba Mufti Calls Kashmiri Pandit Exodus a Blot on Muslims

  • Mehbooba Mufti discusses Kashmiri Pandits' displacement
  • Describes it as a blot on the Muslim community
  • Urges political empowerment and reservations for Pandits
3 min read

Displacement of Kashmiri Pandits a blot on Muslims, says Mehbooba Mufti

Mehbooba Mufti urges political empowerment for Kashmiri Pandits, addressing their displacement as a community issue.

"Kashmiri Pandits need to be empowered politically. - Mehbooba Mufti"

Srinagar, June 2

Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said the displacement of Kashmir Pandits was a blot on the Muslim community, and appealed for their political empowerment.

Mehbooba Mufti said this while addressing a media conference in Srinagar after meeting Lt Governor Manoj Sinha at the Raj Bhawan here. It was the first time in the last five years that she was called on the Lt. Governor.

She gave a detailed letter to the Lt Governor, which scripted a roadmap for the return and rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandits to their native places.

Mufti called the migration of the local Pandit community out of the Valley ‘a blot on Kashmir and Kashmiri Muslims’.

During the media conference, the PDP president spoke of the political empowerment of Kashmiri Pandits.

“Kashmiri Pandits need to be empowered politically, for which the reservation needs to be ensured for them. In this way, we can ensure real integration. I told the Lt Governor to convey to the Centre to ensure reservation for Kashmiri Pandits instead of nominations for them,” she said.

She said that the return of Kashmiri Pandits cannot be possible without empowering the community, and it was time to work jointly to remove the blot on Kashmiri Muslims over their exodus from the valley.

Mufti's statement comes a day ahead of the revered Kheer Bhawani Mela in the Ganderbal district. Thousands of Kashmir Pandits from the country and outside will congregate at the temple on June 3 to celebrate 'Jaeth Asthami'.

The community was forced to flee Kashmir in the early 90s when terrorism unleashed a wave of terror in the valley and carried out targeted attacks on its members.

The PDP chief, in the press conference, also spoke about the successful conduct of the Amarnath yatra. She demanded that more locals be involved in sharing the Yatra responsibilities.

Mufti said she discussed this during her meeting with the L-G, and demanded to closely associate the locals in the process.

She also demanded the release of Kashmiri prisoners with no serious charges.

“I also demanded that those having no serious charges should be released in view of the Eid, and those languishing in different jails in the country should be brought back,” she said.

In answer to a question whether the elected Jammu and Kashmir government was powerless, she said Omar Abdullah has been weakening the elected government himself.

She said that the Chief Minister, instead of discussing the Waqf Amendment Act, preferred to welcome Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to Tulip Garden.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Better late than never that Mehbooba ji acknowledged this tragedy. Kashmiri Pandits have suffered for decades while the world remained silent. Political empowerment is good, but first ensure their safety. No more tokenism please 🙏
P
Priya M.
Why did it take 30+ years for political leaders to call this a 'blot'? The exodus was India's biggest shame after Partition. While I appreciate the sentiment, actions matter more than words now. Let's see concrete rehabilitation plans.
A
Amit S.
The timing before Kheer Bhawani Mela seems calculated. But if this helps bring our Kashmiri Pandit brothers/sisters back to their homeland with dignity, I'm all for it. J&K's culture is incomplete without them.
S
Sunita R.
As someone who has Kashmiri Pandit friends living as refugees in their own country, this breaks my heart 💔 Reservation is good but what about their homes, temples and livelihoods? The roadmap must address all aspects.
V
Vikram P.
Mixed feelings about this. While acknowledgment is important, we must not forget which parties were in power during the worst years. Still, if this leads to reconciliation, it's a positive step. Kashmiriyat must be restored.
N
Neha T.
The focus should be on creating conditions where Pandits can return without fear. More than reservations, we need community healing. Also, why mix this with demands to release prisoners? Separate the issues for better clarity.

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