Is the Displacement of Kashmiri Pandits a Stain on Muslims?
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Synopsis
Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has called the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits a stain on the Muslim community, urging for their political empowerment. This comes as thousands prepare for the Kheer Bhawani Mela, highlighting the ongoing issues faced by the Pandit community and the need for their return to Kashmir. A call for action is needed.
Key Takeaways
- Mehbooba Mufti emphasizes the need for political empowerment of Kashmiri Pandits.
- The displacement is described as a stain on the Muslim community.
- Calls for reservation to ensure the community's political integration.
- Upcoming Kheer Bhawani Mela highlights the cultural significance for Kashmiri Pandits.
- Discussion around local involvement in the Amarnath Yatra.
Srinagar, June 2 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti stated on Monday that the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits represents a significant stain on the Muslim community, urging for their political empowerment.
Mufti made these remarks during a media conference in Srinagar after her meeting with Lt Governor Manoj Sinha at the Raj Bhawan, marking her first interaction with the Lt. Governor in five years.
She delivered a comprehensive letter to the Lt Governor, outlining a strategy for the return and rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland.
Mufti characterized the exodus of the local Pandit community from the Valley as ‘a stain on Kashmir and Kashmiri Muslims’.
At the media briefing, the PDP president emphasized the need for the political empowerment of Kashmiri Pandits.
“To achieve genuine integration, Kashmiri Pandits must be politically empowered, which requires ensuring their reservation. I urged the Lt Governor to inform the Centre to guarantee reservation for Kashmiri Pandits instead of mere nominations,” she remarked.
She further noted that the return of Kashmiri Pandits is unattainable without empowering the community, stressing the importance of collective efforts to remove the stain on Kashmiri Muslims due to their exodus from the region.
Mufti's comments came just a day before the revered Kheer Bhawani Mela in the Ganderbal district, where thousands of Kashmiri Pandits from across the nation and abroad are expected to gather at the temple on June 3 to celebrate 'Jaeth Asthami'.
The community was forced to leave Kashmir in the early 1990s when a wave of terrorism led to targeted violence against its members.
During the press conference, the PDP chief also discussed the successful organization of the Amarnath Yatra, calling for greater involvement of local individuals in managing the Yatra.
Mufti stated that she addressed this matter during her meeting with the Lt. Governor, advocating for local participation.
She also requested the release of Kashmiri prisoners who do not face serious charges.
“I urged that those with no serious allegations should be released in light of Eid, and those held in various jails across the country should be repatriated,” she noted.
When questioned about the perceived powerlessness of the elected Jammu and Kashmir government, she responded that Omar Abdullah has been undermining the elected government himself.
She criticized the Chief Minister for prioritizing a visit from Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to Tulip Garden over discussing the Waqf Amendment Act.
Point of View
Mehbooba Mufti's statements highlight the complexities surrounding the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits. It underscores the need for dialogue and political solutions that prioritize the rights and integration of all communities in Jammu and Kashmir. Moving forward, it is essential to foster understanding and collaboration among these groups to heal past wounds and build a more inclusive future.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mehbooba Mufti say about Kashmiri Pandits?
Mehbooba Mufti stated that the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits is a stain on the Muslim community and called for their political empowerment.
Why is the Kheer Bhawani Mela significant?
The Kheer Bhawani Mela is significant as it gathers thousands of Kashmiri Pandits, serving as a cultural and religious reunion and highlighting the community's ongoing issues.
What are the demands made by Mehbooba Mufti?
Mufti demanded political empowerment for Kashmiri Pandits, including reservation instead of nominations, and the release of prisoners without serious charges.
