In an exclusive interview with Rising Kashmir, Executive Editor, Anuja Khushu, Mirwaiz of Kashmir Umar Farooq spoke on the ongoing efforts for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. While the process remains in its early stages, he emphasises the need for inclusivity, trust-building, and a shared vision for peaceful coexistence between communities in the region. In this candid discussion, Mirwaiz reflects on the challenges, hopes, and the way forward for Kashmiri Pandits and the broader Kashmiri society. EXCERPTS:
Q: You’ve stated that Kashmiri Pandits will be welcomed back to their homes. But given that many of their properties have been sold in distress, illegally occupied, or taken over, how do you propose their return under such circumstances?
Mirwaiz: It’s our intent, nothing has been finalised yet. We want to tell everyone that Muslim community is ready to welcome Kashmiri Pandits back with open arms. I have been in continuous discussions with Ulemas, civil society members, and political leaders. The goal is to create a plan that facilitates their return with dignity. We are actively working on identifying the necessary resources, including land, to ensure their return is balanced and secure.
Q: How do you envision the living arrangements for Kashmiri Pandits once they return to Kashmir?
Mirwaiz: It’s a challenging situation, as most of the Kashmiri Pandits currently don’t have a place to live here. We are still in the preliminary stages of planning. The first step is to identify suitable land. Our vision is an inclusive one, where both Kashmiri Pandits and the Muslim community can live side by side, fostering harmony. We don’t want a segregated environment where there are “No Entry” zones with locked gates. Instead, we’re considering a 50-50 approach to ensure a balanced and unified living space for both communities. From the outset, our goal is to create an inclusive and harmonious environment.
Identifying land is crucial, and then we aim to facilitate this on subsidized rates. Not everyone can afford to buy land at high rates, so we must also take into account the economic situation and ensure that everyone has a chance to contribute to this vision without facing financial burdens.
Q: Have you been in touch with government agencies about the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits?
Mirwaiz: Not yet. Our focus right now is on rebuilding the trust that has been lost over the years. Trust is the foundation for everything that follows. I’ve consistently spoken in various forums and publicly at Jamia Masjid about my commitment to bringing Kashmiri Pandits back. They are, and will always be, an integral part of Kashmir. Our priority is healing the wounds of the past before moving forward.
Q: Are there concerns that Kashmiri Pandits might be rehoused in isolated ghettos again?
Mirwaiz: We are dedicated to ensuring that such an outcome does not occur. Our vision is for a harmonious integration, with opportunities for both communities to live side by side, fostering coexistence rather than division. Our first job is to build trust, to create a social fabric where we freely discuss and interact.
Q: Do you recognise the Kashmiri Pandits as victims of religious cleansing and genocide?
Mirwaiz: (Avoiding to comment on the term ‘genocide’) I agree that Kashmiri Pandits have suffered a lot. The losses on both sides have been tragic, and we must focus on the future. Rebuilding trust and moving forward is essential. The past cannot be undone, but we can ensure that both communities coexist peacefully in the future. I have seen Panun Kashmir’s stand against reconciliation. But it will not allow co-existence. It’s critical that we leave the past behind and focus on a future of unity. Differences in viewpoints exist, but we must find common ground and work toward coexistence.
Q: You’ve acknowledged the pain felt on both sides of the conflict. How can we ensure that the past does not continue to divide us and that both communities can coexist peacefully moving forward?
Mirwaiz: The key lies in healing and reconciliation. While we must acknowledge the pain and loss on both sides, we should not allow these grievances to define our future. Forgiveness, empathy, and mutual respect are critical. Our focus must be on fostering peace and coexistence so that future generations inherit an environment of unity.
Q: With target killings still occurring in the region, how can you assure the safety and security of Kashmiri Pandits?
Mirwaiz: This remains a serious issue, and that’s why we’re still in the planning stages. Recently, I met with a group of Kashmiri Pandits in New Delhi to discuss their return and rehabilitation. It’s premature to make concrete statements right now, but security is our top concern. Rebuilding trust is the first step, and until that happens, no meaningful progress can be made. Trust must be the foundation of our efforts before we can address other challenges like security effectively.
