Imran Naikoo

Srinagar, February 09, (Gulistan News TV): Reacting to the recent outreach initiative by Mirwaiz Kashmir Molvi Umar Farooq for the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, BJP General Secretary for Jammu & Kashmir, Ashok Koul, stressed that the safe and sustainable return of Pandits depends on their acceptance by the local Muslim community.

Speaking to the media in Srinagar, Koul said, “Kashmiri Pandits will only return when the Muslims of Kashmir accept them. Until that happens, no amount of efforts will yield results.”

Drawing a comparison to Jammu, he explained, “In Jammu, Hindus have accepted Kashmiri Muslims during winters in large numbers. Similarly, unless Kashmiri Muslims embrace Pandits, their return won’t be successful. It cannot be enforced under government pressure.”

Koul further underlined the role of local leaders and clerics in paving the way for reconciliation.

“This decision lies with the people of Kashmir, its clerics and leaders. When they agree to settle a Kashmiri Pandit outside their home, I will believe reconciliation is possible. Otherwise, Kashmiri Pandits cannot return to build a community here,” he remarked.

Pertinently, Mirwaiz Kashmir Molvi Mohd Umar Farooq recently launched a fresh initiative to reach out to Kashmiri Pandits, urging justice, reconciliation and unity, and calling their return an essential step toward rebuilding Kashmir’s composite culture.

As part of this effort, Mirwaiz, along with a number of Pandits, has floated a fresh proposal to constitute an Inter-Community Committee to bridge the gap and ensure the safe return of Pandits to Kashmir.
(Gulistan News TV)