Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has expressed her strong condemnation following reports of the demolition of shops owned by Kashmiri Pandit shopkeepers. The heartbreaking scenes of shop owners standing helplessly by the rubble of their businesses have sparked outrage, highlighting the plight of a community that has already faced decades of hardship and displacement.
Demolition Without Prior Notice
According to reports, the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) carried out the demolitions without issuing prior notice to the shopkeepers. The sudden action has left many families devastated, with their livelihoods destroyed in mere hours. The affected shopkeepers, many of whom had rebuilt their lives after enduring years of displacement and loss, now find themselves facing fresh uncertainty and despair.
A Pattern of Alienation
This incident is not isolated. Mehbooba Mufti pointed out that what began as targeted demolitions against the tribal community has now extended to Kashmiri Pandits, exacerbating their sense of alienation and insecurity. For a community that has historically faced persecution, these actions deepen their feelings of marginalisation and betrayal.
“The demolition of Kashmiri Pandit shops is a grave injustice,” Mufti stated. “It is heartbreaking to see people who have already endured unimaginable hardships being subjected to further humiliation and loss.”
Call for Action
Mufti has urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene immediately and address this issue with compassion and urgency. She emphasised the need for the administration to ensure that no community is unfairly targeted and that the affected families are provided with adequate support and relief.
“This is not just about demolitions; it’s about the trust and faith of communities in governance. The administration must act swiftly to rectify this wrong and prevent such incidents in the future,” she added.
Community Outrage
The demolitions have triggered widespread anger among both Kashmiri Pandits and other affected communities. Many view this as a continuation of policies that disregard the historical struggles and contributions of minority groups in Jammu and Kashmir. Civil society groups have also called for an impartial investigation into the demolitions and for accountability from the JDA.
Conclusion
The recent demolitions underscore the urgent need for fair and transparent governance in Jammu and Kashmir. As the affected families pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, the administration faces mounting pressure to rebuild trust and ensure justice. Mehbooba Mufti’s condemnation reflects a growing demand for compassion and accountability in addressing the grievances of vulnerable communities in the region.
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