Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called for the dignified and secure return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, asserting that their reintegration must not be treated as a symbolic gesture but as a historic opportunity to rebuild a shared and inclusive future for Jammu and Kashmir.
In her first one-on-one meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in nearly five years, held at Raj Bhavan Srinagar, Mehbooba submitted a detailed and phased roadmap aimed at enabling the sustainable return and rehabilitation of the displaced community. Copies of the proposal have also been sent to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah.
Key Proposals in the Roadmap: Land Allocation: Each displaced Kashmiri Pandit family should be allotted half a kanal of state land in their district of origin, provided they express willingness to return.
Home Reconstruction Support: Families whose original homes exist but are damaged should receive targeted financial grants or interest-free loans for repairs and modernization. Political Representation: The proposal advocates for the creation of two reserved Assembly constituencies for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Dedicated Administrative Support: Deployment of single-window facilitators in every district to assist returnees with administrative procedures. Reconciliation & Reintegration Commission:
Establishment of an institutional body to oversee long-term reintegration efforts and ensure transparency and rights protection. Security and Job Stability for Employees: Mehbooba urged strengthening provisions under the PM’s Special Rehabilitation Package, particularly to allow Pandit employees posted in high-risk zones to be transferred without career consequences.
Describing the mass displacement of Kashmiri Pandits as one of the largest internal migrations in post-independence India, Mehbooba stressed that their return must be rooted in justice, security, and reconciliation, rather than being reduced to a demographic or administrative exercise.
“This issue goes beyond politics. It is a moral obligation and a societal responsibility to ensure the return of our Pandit brothers and sisters in a manner that is dignified, safe, and sustainable,” she stated.
The PDP chief emphasized the importance of an all-stakeholders approach, calling for a dialogue-driven process that includes the displaced community, local residents, civil society, and relevant administrative bodies. “Only inclusive and empathetic deliberations can bridge decades of mistrust and displacement,” she added.
As part of the emotional and social healing process, Mehbooba proposed organizing an annual “Return & Reconnect” summit. The event would bring together displaced Pandit families, locals, policymakers, civil society members, and scholars to share stories, address challenges, develop joint solutions, and offer feedback on policies and implementation.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mehbooba revealed she also raised the issue of security during the Amarnath Yatra, referencing the recent attack in Pahalgam. “Kashmiris want the Yatra to be peaceful.
We told the LG that the people of Kashmir are ready to play their role in ensuring its safety,” she said.
She further requested the release of political prisoners facing minor or non-serious charges, particularly in view of the upcoming Eid celebrations.
Mehbooba concluded by stressing that the return of Kashmiri Pandits must be more than a government formality—it must reflect the revival of Kashmir’s pluralistic soul. “No political process in Jammu and Kashmir is complete without the participation of Kashmiri Pandits,” she said.(KINS)
