Mehbooba Mufti's Remarks on Kashmiri Pandits
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday urged Kashmiri Pandits to 'move on' and stop being 'prisoners of the past', a statement that has reignited discussions on the community's return to the Kashmir Valley. Speaking at an event in Srinagar, the former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said that while the pain of their exodus in the 1990s is undeniable, clinging to grievances hampers reconciliation.
Context of the Exodus
Over 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits fled the valley in 1989-90 following the rise of armed insurgency, with many settling in Jammu, Delhi, and other parts of India. Successive governments have announced packages and schemes for their return, but only a few hundred have actually gone back. The community often cites lack of security and hostility as major deterrents.
Reaction from the Community
Kashmiri Pandit groups reacted sharply to Mufti's comments. Sanjay Tickoo, president of the Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti, said, 'Mehbooba Mufti's party has consistently opposed the return of Pandits. Her statement is an insult to the community's suffering.' He added that the PDP had in the past blocked land allotments for resettlement. Another leader, Ashok Koul, said the remark shows the 'true face' of the PDP.
Political Implications
Analysts say the statement could further polarize the already sensitive issue. Mehbooba Mufti has been a vocal critic of the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and has demanded restoration of special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Her latest remarks come ahead of the expected local body elections in the union territory.
Call for Reconciliation
During the event, Mufti also stressed the need for all communities to live together harmoniously. 'We cannot change the past, but we can shape the future. I appeal to everyone to work for peace and brotherhood,' she said. However, she did not announce any specific policy measures to facilitate the return of Pandits.
