Srinagar, Jun 02: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called for the dignified return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, stressing that their reintegration must not be seen as a mere symbolic gesture but as an opportunity to build a shared, inclusive and forward-looking future for Jammu and Kashmir.
In her first one-on-one meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in nearly five years – after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, Mehbooba submitted an “inclusive and phased roadmap” aimed at facilitating meaningful progress on the return and reintegration of the Pandit community.
The meeting took place at the Raj Bhavan in Jammu. Copies of the proposal were also sent to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The PDP spokesperson said Mufti discussed various important matters, including the smooth conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandit community in the valley.
After meeting the Lieutenant Governor, the former Chief Minister addressed a press conference here during which she demanded that every displaced Kashmiri Pandit family be allotted half-a-kanal of state land in their district of origin, contingent on their willingness to return.
For families whose ancestral homes still exist but are in dilapidated or semi-damaged condition, she proposed targeted financial grants or interest-free loans to support structural repairs and modernisation.
Mehbooba advocated for the creation of two reserved assembly constituencies for the Pandit community, stressing that their return is not a political issue but a moral imperative and a societal responsibility. She said political parties across the ideological spectrum in the Union Territory have consistently supported the idea of the Pandits’ return.
The PDP president urged the Lieutenant Governor’s office to initiate a dialogue-driven process involving community representatives, civil society, local leaders and relevant administrative agencies. “Only through inclusive deliberations can we chart a future where no community feels alienated in their own land,” she asserted.
Describing the mass displacement as one of the largest internal migrations in post-independence India, Mufti said it demands a comprehensive, justice-oriented and sustainable policy framework.
“The return of Kashmiri Pandits is not merely a demographic or administrative concern, but a matter of historical justice, reconciliation and the restoration of Kashmir’s pluralistic ethos,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of security for returnees, especially government employees, she proposed amending and strengthening the provisions under the Prime Minister’s Special Rehabilitation Package.
The former CM proposed the organisation of an annual “Return & Reconnect” summit, as part of the broader effort. The summit, she explained, would bring together displaced Kashmiri Pandit families, local communities, government officials, civil society organisations, and academic experts to share stories of displacement and survival, discuss integration challenges, develop collaborative solutions, and offer a platform for policy feedback and grievance redressal.
She further proposed the creation of a Reconciliation and Reintegration Commission, which would coordinate long-term efforts, ensure transparency and safeguard the rights and dignity of displaced persons.
The PDP Chief said no political process in Jammu and Kashmir is complete without the involvement of Kashmiri Pandits. This is not just the responsibility of the government, but also of the people and political parties, she said.
Mehbooba said she also discussed the upcoming Amarnath Yatra with the Lieutenant Governor and expressed concern among locals following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. “While the administration will ensure security for the yatra, Kashmiris themselves want to contribute to its safety. We asked the LG to let us know how our party can play a role in this,” she said.
Mufti said she urged the LG to consider releasing political prisoners who do not face serious charges, in view of the Eid-ul-Azha festival.
