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Key Points

Mehbooba Mufti described the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits as a blemish on the Muslim community, urging for their political empowerment through reservations. In a meeting with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, she presented a plan for the Pandits' return and rehabilitation. Mufti emphasized the need for practical integration rather than mere nominations, especially ahead of the Kheer Bhawani Mela. Additionally, she advocated for the release of non-violent Kashmiri prisoners during the holy festival of Eid.

Key Points: Mehbooba Mufti on Kashmiri Pandits Displacement and Political Empowerment

  • Mehbooba Mufti calls Pandits' displacement a blot on Muslims
  • She urges political empowerment for the community
  • Discusses Pandits' return plan with Lt Governor Sinha
  • Calls for release of Kashmiri prisoners without serious charges
3 min read

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

Mehbooba Mufti calls Pandits' exodus a blot on Muslims and urges political empowerment.

"Kashmiri Pandits need to be empowered politically, for which the reservation needs to be ensured for them. - 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.
Finally some political leader is speaking sense! The Kashmiri Pandit issue has been ignored for too long. Political empowerment is a good first step, but what about security guarantees? We need concrete action, not just words. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
While I appreciate Mehbooba ji's statement, why did it take 30+ years to acknowledge this? The pain of displacement can't be undone, but rehabilitation must be done with dignity. Also, involving locals in Amarnath yatra is a practical suggestion 👍
A
Arjun S.
The timing before Kheer Bhawani Mela seems calculated. True reconciliation needs year-round commitment, not symbolic gestures before festivals. That said, if this leads to actual policy changes, I'm all for it. Jai Hind!
N
Neha T.
As someone whose family friends are displaced Pandits, I welcome this but remain skeptical. Will the local population truly accept them back? The wounds run deep on both sides. Maybe start with creating safe zones first?
V
Vikram J.
Good to see cross-party consensus building on this issue. Whether PDP or BJP, all must work together for justice. But rehabilitation isn't just about politics - need jobs, schools, and cultural preservation too. #KashmiriPandits
S
Sunita R.
The article mentions releasing prisoners with minor charges - this is concerning. We must be careful not to compromise security for political points. First ensure complete normalcy, then consider such measures. Safety comes first!

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