Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jun 2: Former chief minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti on Monday batted for the reservation of Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it was time to remove a “blot” on Kashmir Muslims over the exodus of KPs.
Addressing a press conference here after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for the first time after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 05, 2019, Mehbooba said she, along with the party leader Mehboob Beg, met the LG and raised multiple demands.
The demands, according to her, include political empowerment of Kashmiri Pandits, release of detainees in view of Eid and incorporating locals for the smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra.
“Kashmiri Pandits need to be empowered politically, for which the reservation needs to be ensured for them. In this way, we can ensure real integration,” the PDP chief said, adding that she told the Lieutenant Governor to convey to the Centre to ensure reservation for KPs instead of nominations for them.
Mufti said the return of Kashmiri Pandits is not merely a demographic or administrative concern but stands as a matter of historical justice, reconciliation and the restoration of Kashmir’s pluralistic ethos.
“Reintegration must be both materially grounded and socially sustainable, requiring a multi-tiered and inclusive approach,” she said in her letter addressed to LG, a copy of which has also been sent to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The former CM further said the return of KPs cannot be possible without empowering the community. “It is time to work jointly to remove the blot on Kashmiri Muslims over their exodus from the valley,” she stressed.
Mehbooba said she discussed the conduct of the Amarnath Yatra and demanded incorporating locals in the process, who, she said, have always assisted in ensuring the smooth annual pilgrimage.
Mufti added that the release of Kashmiris was also her demand. “I demanded that those having no serious charges should be released in view of the Eid and those languishing in different jails should be brought back,” she said.
Replying to a query, the PDP president accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of weakening the elected government himself.
Citing the Waqf Bill, she said the CM, instead of discussing the grave issue, preferred to welcome the Union Minister in Tulip Garden. “Still, I raised these demands with Omar Sahab as well. Let’s see what the government can do,” she said. (KNO)
