Mehbooba Mufti met with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. She demanded the return of Kashmiri Pandits, land allocation, and reserved seats for them. She appealed to the government for a swift decision.
Mehbooba Mufti News: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader, Mehbooba Mufti, met with Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha for the first time in five years. This meeting took place on Monday, June 2nd, during which Mehbooba Mufti demanded the return of Kashmiri Pandits, land allocation for them, and reserved seats in the Legislative Assembly. Following the meeting, Mehbooba Mufti told the media that she had submitted a written letter to the LG, copies of which were also sent to the Chief Minister and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Emphasis on the Return of Kashmiri Pandits
Mehbooba Mufti stated that many of the over 74,000 displaced Kashmiri Pandit families in Jammu and Kashmir wish to return to their homes. She urged the government to provide every possible assistance for their safe and dignified return. She suggested that Kashmiri Pandits be given half a kanal of land in their home districts to help them reconnect with their roots.
Demand for Reserved Seats
Mehbooba Mufti mentioned that the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly currently has two nominated seats for Kashmiri Pandits. She demanded that these seats be converted into reserved seats to strengthen their political participation and voice. She stated that this is not only a political move but also a significant social message signifying efforts to integrate Kashmiri Pandits into the mainstream.
Amarnath Yatra and the Kashmiri Pandit Issue
Mehbooba Mufti stated that the Amarnath Yatra should not only involve security and administration but also the local community. She emphasized that the return of Kashmiri Pandits should be the agenda not just of the government but of the entire society. She clarified that her party would include this issue in its political agenda and make every possible effort to address it.
Criticism of Omar Abdullah
Mehbooba Mufti also criticized former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging that he was sightseeing at the Tulip Garden while the Legislative Assembly was discussing Article 370. She accused the Omar Abdullah government of not taking the issue of Kashmiri Pandits seriously. Mehbooba stated that she had written to everyone on this subject but could do nothing if the Omar Abdullah government treated it lightly. She reiterated that the return of Kashmiri Pandits is a key agenda for her party.
Claim of Support from the Central Government
Mehbooba Mufti mentioned that she had also met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on this issue. She stated that the Home Minister expressed agreement regarding reserved seats and the return of Kashmiri Pandits. Mehbooba said that the proposal will now be submitted to the central government, with efforts made to pass it through the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and subsequently implement it.
Delimitation and Panchayat Elections Preparations
Preparations for panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir are underway, with the delimitation process expected to be completed by June. Mehbooba stated that this is a positive sign, indicating that the panchayat elections will be held on time and Kashmiri Pandits will have the opportunity to participate.
