Displacement of Kashmiri Pandits a Blot on Muslims, Says Mehbooba Mufti
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday said the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley was a “blot on Kashmiri Muslims” and called for their political empowerment to facilitate genuine integration.
Mufti made the remarks during a press conference in Srinagar after meeting Lt Governor Manoj Sinha at the Raj Bhawan. It marked her first meeting with the Lt Governor in five years.
In the meeting, she submitted a detailed letter proposing a roadmap for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland. She said that ensuring political reservation rather than mere nominations would be a crucial step in reintegrating the community.
“Kashmiri Pandits need to be empowered politically. I told the Lt Governor to ask the Centre to provide reservation for them instead of just nominating members. This is essential for real integration,” she stated.
Calling their exodus in the 1990s during the height of terrorism a shameful chapter, Mufti stressed the need for unity and action to remove the stigma associated with the Muslim community over the incident.
Her statement comes a day before the Kheer Bhawani Mela in Ganderbal district on June 3, a revered annual gathering for Kashmiri Pandits celebrating Jaeth Asthami.
Speaking on other issues, Mufti emphasized greater involvement of local Kashmiris in managing the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, citing both security and economic concerns. She urged the administration to integrate locals in yatra-related responsibilities for smoother coordination.
She also demanded the release of Kashmiri prisoners who do not face serious charges, especially in light of the upcoming Eid festival.
“Those languishing in jails outside the Union Territory should be brought back, and people with no serious charges should be released,” she said.
Commenting on the political landscape, Mufti criticized National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, accusing him of weakening the position of elected governments. She referenced the Waqf Amendment Act, stating that Abdullah prioritized welcoming Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to the Tulip Garden over raising important local issues.
