National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said that displaced Kashmiri Pandits are always welcome to return to their homes in Kashmir, calling the Valley their rightful place.
However, he expressed doubt about whether many would choose to come back permanently. Abdullah said most families have built new lives outside Kashmir, where their children are studying or working. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
His remarks came on January 19, which the displaced community observes as “Holocaust Day” to remember their exodus from the Valley in 1990, following threats and killings by Pakistan-backed militants.
Speaking to reporters during a two-day party programme, Abdullah pointed out that several Kashmiri Pandit families never left Kashmir and continue to live peacefully in their villages and neighbourhoods.
“When will they return? Who is stopping them? No one,” Abdullah said. “This is their home, and they are free to come back. Many Kashmiri Pandits are already living in the Valley and have not left.”
His comments came amid protests by displaced Kashmiri Pandits demanding return and rehabilitation. On Sunday evening, hundreds of protesters under the banner of ‘Youth 4 Panun Kashmir’ blocked the Jammu–Srinagar national highway near the Jagti camp. They demanded a separate homeland in the Valley and asked Parliament to pass a bill recognising their genocide.
Responding to these demands, Abdullah said he had earlier assured the community that houses would be built for them and full support would be provided.
He added that after his government fell, the responsibility to implement these plans shifted to the Central government.
Abdullah also said the community would need to carefully assess the current situation. “Many have grown old and need medical care. Their children are studying in schools, colleges, and universities across the country,” he said.“They may visit Kashmir, but I don’t think most of them will return to live there permanently,” he added.
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