Former CM Mehbooba Mufti meets LG Sinha; pitches for return of KPs, release of Kashmiri youth ahead of Eid

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JUNE 2 (STC): Issues including dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits, safety of the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, and the release of Kashmiri youth ahead of Eid were raised by the former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti in a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar today.

While speaking to the reporters
after the meeting, Mehbooba Mufti said that her discussions with the LG focused on three major points: facilitating the safe and respectful return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, ensuring local participation and safety in the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, and releasing youth detained in various cases in view of Eid.
She said, “Kashmiri Pandits are an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir’s social and political fabric, and their return is essential for the region’s peace and harmony.”
She pointed out that as per the Ministry of Home Affairs 2020 report, around 64,951 Kashmiri Pandit families are living outside the Valley, and many of them are eager to return but face challenges in terms of security, housing, and employment.
“We urged the LG to ease rigid transfer policies for Pandit employees under the Prime Minister’s package, and to allocate government land in their districts of origin to facilitate their return,” she said. Mehbooba stressed that political empowerment, not just financial aid, is necessary for their dignified return. “We also requested the government to consider reserving assembly seats for Kashmiri Pandits instead of only nominating them, so they can genuinely participate in the democratic process,” she added.
On the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, Mehbooba said, “We told the LG that Kashmiris have always welcomed Yatris, and we want the pilgrimage to continue without fear. We also offered our party’s support in ensuring a safe and peaceful Yatra.”
She also highlighted the plight of Kashmiri youth detained under minor charges and requested their release ahead of Eid. “Many young people are in jails, and their families are suffering. Releasing them will be a gesture of goodwill during Eid,” she said.
Rejecting criticism from political opponents, Mehbooba stated, “Some say we are politicising the issue, but I believe it is the responsibility of all political parties, not just the government, to work for the return of Kashmiri Pandits and for peace in the region.”

“We are serious about resolving these issues, and it is time for all stakeholders to act with sincerity,” Mehbooba said.

Notably, this was Mehbooba Mufti’s first meeting with LG Manoj Sinha since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. (STC)