Daijiworld Media Network - Srinagar

Srinagar, Jun 2: Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday described the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits as a “blot” on the Muslim community and called for the political empowerment of the community through reservations.

Speaking at a press conference in Srinagar after meeting Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan—the first such meeting in five years—Mufti said she handed the Lt. Governor a detailed letter outlining a roadmap for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to their native places.

“The migration of local Pandits is a blot on Kashmir and Kashmiri Muslims,” she said, urging that Kashmiri Pandits should be empowered politically through reservation instead of mere nomination.

Mufti emphasized that the community’s return was not possible without empowerment, adding, “It is time to work jointly to remove the blot on Kashmiri Muslims over their exodus.”

Her comments came a day before the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela in Ganderbal, where thousands of Kashmiri Pandits will gather to celebrate Jaeth Ashtami.

The PDP chief also demanded the release of Kashmiri prisoners without serious charges, especially in view of Eid, and urged the authorities to bring back those imprisoned in other states.

Regarding the Amarnath Yatra, Mufti stressed the importance of involving more locals in organizing the pilgrimage. “I discussed this with the L-G and demanded greater local participation,” she said.

Asked about the erosion of the elected government’s power in Jammu and Kashmir, she blamed Omar Abdullah, saying, “Omar Abdullah himself has been weakening the elected government by prioritizing ceremonial events over crucial legislative matters.”

She concluded by criticizing the former chief minister for welcoming Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden instead of discussing key issues like the Waqf Amendment Act.