National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has reiterated his hope for the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, saying that the people of Kashmir want them to come back and live in their ancestral homeland.
Speaking during a visit to the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal on June 22, 2026, Abdullah said he prayed for the day when members of the displaced community would return and once again live alongside the people of the Valley.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Valley Ready to Welcome Pandits Back
Abdullah said the atmosphere in Kashmir is supportive of the Pandits’ return and stressed that many people in the Valley genuinely wish to see them come back.
He noted that efforts have already been made to create conditions for their return and expressed optimism that the long-awaited homecoming could become a reality in the future.
According to him, the people of Kashmir continue to view Kashmiri Pandits as an integral part of the Valley’s social and cultural fabric.
Community Must Also Take Initiative
While welcoming the idea of their return, Abdullah said the process also requires active participation from the displaced community itself.
He emphasized that progress can only be achieved when both sides work towards the same goal. He added that people in the Valley are prepared to welcome Kashmiri Pandits and continue to pray for their early return.
Contrast with Earlier Remarks
Abdullah’s latest comments come months after his remarks on January 19, 2026, marking the 36th anniversary of the Kashmiri Pandits’ exodus from the Valley.
At that time, he had expressed doubts about whether many displaced families would choose to return permanently, pointing out that a large number had built successful lives, careers, and businesses in different parts of India over the past three decades.
However, even then, he maintained that Kashmiri Pandits would always be welcome in Kashmir and that no one was preventing them from returning to their homeland.
A Long-Standing Issue
The return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits remains one of the most significant issues linked to Kashmir’s social and political landscape.
Over the years, various governments and political parties have advocated measures aimed at facilitating their return, while members of the community have repeatedly highlighted concerns related to security, employment, housing, and long-term rehabilitation.
Abdullah’s latest statement reflects continued calls for reconciliation and renewed efforts to encourage the community’s return while preserving Kashmir’s shared cultural heritage.
4. Q&A Section
Q1: What did Farooq Abdullah say about Kashmiri Pandits?
Farooq Abdullah said the people of Kashmir want Kashmiri Pandits to return and expressed hope that they will soon come back to their homes in the Valley.
Q2: Where did he make these remarks?
He made the remarks during his visit to the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal on June 22, 2026.
Q3: Did Farooq Abdullah make similar statements earlier?
Yes. While he previously questioned whether many Pandits would permanently return because they had settled elsewhere, he consistently maintained that they are welcome back in Kashmir.
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