Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, June 2: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said that any political process in Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits.
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Addressing a press conference after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan here, Mufti said she raised the issue of the return of Kashmiri Pandits with the LG and also demanded flexibility in the transfer policy governing employees working under the PM package.
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“We have always called for the dignified and secure return of Kashmiri Pandits and stood for a political process that ensures peace with dignity. But we believe that without KPs, every political process remains incomplete,” she said.
Regarding the return of Kashmiri Pandits, Mufti demanded that those who genuinely wish to return should be provided land in their districts of birth.
“They should be allotted half a kanal of state land in their place of origin. The return doesn’t have to be sudden; it can be gradual. This step can help ensure their return,” she said.
The former Chief Minister also called for reserving seats for Kashmiri Pandits in the Assembly, which she said would enhance interaction and ultimately lead to their integration.
“Reserving seats for them will ensure engagement with the broader population. Once elected, they will meet people and be approached by others, resulting in greater integration and political empowerment,” she said.
Mufti said she handed over a document on the issue to the LG, a copy of which was also sent to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The document details the issue and outlines the steps that need to be taken, she said.
In a statement, Raj Bhawan stated: “Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of J&K and president, Jammu & Kashmir People’s Democratic Party called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, at Raj Bhawan today. Mufti discussed various important matters including smooth conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandit community in the valley.”
The PDP president said a 2020 report from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that 64,951 families of Kashmiri Pandits are currently living outside J&K.
“There are many who want to return, and several are already here, working under the PM package. These employees are facing issues due to a stringent transfer policy,” she said.
Mufti demanded that the policy be made flexible to ensure that PM package employees feel secure and comfortable. “They should not be posted in areas where they feel unsafe.”
She said that while Kashmiri Pandits are receiving monthly rations and allowances, there remains a pressing need to empower them politically. “Until that happens, their return with dignity will remain incomplete.”
The PDP president emphasized that facilitating the return of Kashmiri Pandits is not solely the responsibility of the Government; political parties and the public also have a role to play.
“The issue of KPs is serious. It is a blot on us that we allowed them to leave. If there were mistakes made back then, we now want to set things right. Their return is part of PDP’s agenda-we want them to return without fear and with dignity.”
When asked about the prolonged inaction on the issue, Mufti said: “It is a process, and now all of us must work together to ensure their return. I believe it is not impossible.”
She added that during her meeting with the LG, she also discussed preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, emphasizing the importance of making it safe and inclusive for the people of Kashmir.
“There will, of course, be security arrangements, but people also want to be involved so that the pilgrimage is conducted safely, as it used to be. We urged the LG to let us know how we, as a party, can contribute to ensuring the Yatra is held smoothly and without fear.”
Mufti further said that she demanded the release of detainees who do not have serious charges against them, ahead of Eid. “We also requested that those lodged in prisons outside J&K be brought back so that their families can visit them.”
Commenting on the role of the Omar Abdullah-led Government in addressing issues, Mehbooba said: “MLAs wanted to bring a resolution against the Waqf Bill in the Assembly, but the CM went to the tulip garden instead. What can I do? He is himself diminishing his authority.”
She added that she had written to the CM regarding an issue earlier but received no response. “He didn’t reply at all.”
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