On June 2, 2025, during her visit to the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal district, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti emphasized the necessity of a political process to facilitate the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. She reiterated that the use of arms is not a solution and highlighted the importance of restoring communal harmony.
Courtsey:- Press Trust of India
Call for Political Process and Rehabilitation
Addressing the media after her temple visit, Mehbooba Mufti stated, “PDP has always believed that guns are not the solution. There should be a political process, and that process cannot be completed until our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters return with due respect and settle here.” She underscored that the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits is a blot on the Muslim community and called for their political empowerment.
Meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
In a significant development, Mufti met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar—their first one-on-one meeting since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. During the meeting, she submitted a formal proposal outlining a phased roadmap for the return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits.
Key Proposals for Rehabilitation
Mufti’s proposal includes:
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Allotting half-a-kanal of state land to each displaced Kashmiri Pandit family in their district of origin, contingent upon their willingness to return.
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Providing targeted financial grants or interest-free loans for structural repairs and modernization of existing homes in dilapidated or semi-damaged conditions.
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Establishing two reserved assembly constituencies for the Kashmiri Pandit community to ensure their political representation.
Emphasis on Inclusive Reintegration
Mufti emphasized that the reintegration of Kashmiri Pandits should not be viewed merely as a symbolic return but as an opportunity to build a shared, inclusive, and forward-looking future for Jammu and Kashmir.
Kheer Bhawani Mela: A Symbol of Communal Harmony
The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, held on June 3, witnessed hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits gathering at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla. The temple, dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, holds immense spiritual significance for the community. The festival serves as a poignant reminder of the Valley’s syncretic culture and the deep-rooted bonds between communities.
