PDP chief meets LG after 5 yrs; says Pandits’ return incomplete without local participation
WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has called for a comprehensive and dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, stressing that any political process in Jammu and Kashmir will remain incomplete without their meaningful participation.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Mufti said, “There are a couple of very important issues, and one of them is how to ensure the honourable and secure return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homes. As you know, PDP has always believed that the political crisis in J&K must be resolved through dialogue—not through military intervention or militant violence.”
She stressed the need for a “peaceful atmosphere” and “everlasting, dignified solutions,” adding: “We believe that no political process can be complete without Kashmiri Pandits.”
Mufti said her party submitted a document to the LG, which was also sent to Omar Abdullah and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “We don’t believe this is just the government’s responsibility. Political parties and the public must also take ownership,” she said.
Quoting a 2020 report from the Ministry of Home Affairs, she noted that 64,951 Kashmiri Pandit families are currently living outside the Valley, mostly in Jammu, Delhi, and other states. “Many want to return. Some are already here under the Prime Minister’s Package. But those employees face extremely rigid transfer policies,” she said.
“Transfers under the PM package are too strict. These must be made flexible so that employees don’t have to serve in places where they feel unsafe. This rigidity must go—let them feel comfortable.”
She added that many others—those not in government service—are emotionally and mentally prepared to return. “Such families should be given at least half a kanal of land in their district of origin. The government has land available. If they can build even two or three rooms, it could allow them to return seasonally, starting in summer, with their children.”
“If they start going back to their districts, interaction with our Muslim brothers will begin. This social contact is vital,” she said.
Mufti strongly opposed the current system of nominating Kashmiri Pandits to the Assembly, saying it “keeps them disconnected.”
“We requested the LG to inform the Government of India that instead of nomination, there should be reservation. Because if you nominate two Pandits from Jammu, who will they interact with in the Assembly? But if you reserve seats here, Pandit candidates will have to contest, ask for votes from Muslims, and when they win, Muslims will also have to approach them as their representatives.”
“That,” she said, “is what true reintegration looks like.”
“No return is complete unless there is political empowerment. Relief and monthly payments are fine, but unless they are empowered politically—and from the land of Kashmir itself—the return remains half-hearted.”
Addressing the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, Mufti said local participation is crucial to maintain the centuries-old spirit of hospitality.
“Kashmiris have always welcomed pilgrims—carried them on our shoulders, offered them shelter. We want that to continue. There should be no fear, no insecurity. Let Kashmiris also participate in making the Yatra smooth and secure. We asked the LG what we, as a party, can do to help.”
She also raised concerns about the incarceration of Kashmiri youth in jails outside the Valley.
“We requested that those who are in outside jails be shifted to Kashmir, so their families—especially parents—can meet them easily,” she said. “Many of these youth are not facing any serious charges. With Eid approaching, they should be released as a gesture.”
When asked about the repeated visits of political parties to the Lieutenant Governor, Mufti pointed out, “Even though an elected government exists with 50 MLAs and three MPs, we all keep going to the LG. Does this mean the LG alone is running the government now?”
Commenting on National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, she said, “I had previously written to him and again sent a copy of this proposal. He never replied. Our MLAs wanted to bring a resolution in the Assembly, but instead of going there, Omar sahib was busy with a minister’s event at Tulip Garden. What can I do if he doesn’t want to use his mandate?”
She added, “This is not about politics. The issue of Kashmiri Pandits is a serious one. It is a sensitive, human matter. Unfortunately, a stigma has been unfairly attached to Kashmiri Muslims that we failed to protect our Pandit brothers. If that’s the perception, then we must be the ones to correct it.”
“The LG responded positively to our proposals. Naturally, he said whatever is possible will be done,” Mufti said. “Whenever the Pandits return, I will personally go to receive them and express what I’ve said here.”
