Jammu Awaits the Return of Kashmiri Pandits, Says Mehbooba Mufti
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti expressed on Tuesday that Kashmir is incomplete without the presence of Kashmiri Pandits, and the people of the Valley are eagerly anticipating their return. She emphasized the importance of their return and suggested that reserving two Assembly seats for Kashmiri Pandits would be a favorable step.
During a press conference at the PDP headquarters in Gandhi Nagar, Mehbooba Mufti stated, “Kashmiri Pandits must take their own decision. We are eagerly waiting for their return as the Valley is incomplete without them.” This statement comes in response to protests held by Kashmiri Pandits, who marked 36 years in exile on January 19, demanding their return and rehabilitation.
Mehbooba Mufti recently met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and proposed the reservation of two Assembly seats for Kashmiri Pandits instead of nominating members of the community. She suggested that allowing them to come back, contest elections, and garner votes from the Muslim community would foster unity among different groups.
Questioning the rationale behind nominating individuals residing outside the Valley to represent the Kashmiri Pandit community in the Assembly, Mehbooba Mufti stressed the importance of their dignified return. She emphasized the need for Kashmiri Pandits to live together with the rest of the community, stating, “They are our brothers, and we want them to return with dignity and live together with us so that Kashmir becomes complete.”
