Latest news with #MehboobaMufti
United News of India
9 hours ago
- General
- United News of India
Kashmir incomplete without Pandits: Mehbooba Mufti
Srinagar, June 3 (UNI) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said that Kashmir is incomplete without the Pandits and they have to play a role for any political process to be completed. She said this after visiting Tulmula in Ganderbal district to greet the Kashmiri Pandit community on the auspicious occasion of Zyesht Ashtami. She was accompanied by the party leadership. 'Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without them (Pandits). The PDP believes that Jammu and Kashmir issue cannot be solved with guns. There is no military solution, and the gun of militants is also not a solution. There should be a political process," she told reporters in Ganderbal. She said the political process is not possible until the Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters return to the Kashmir valley. ' That political process cannot happen until our Kashmiri brothers and sisters come to Kashmir with due respect, settle here and play their role," she said On Monday Mehbooba held her first interaction in five years with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, with the Pandits' return and a safe Amarnath Yatra on top of her agenda. In her meeting with LG, she demanded that two Assembly seats should be reserved for Pandits, and every Pandit family should get half a kanal of free government land. UNI MJR
Scroll.in
11 hours ago
- General
- Scroll.in
Jammu and Kashmir LG dismisses 3 more government employees for alleged links with terror groups
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday terminated the services of three more government employees for their alleged involvement with Pakistan-based terror groups, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, NDTV reported. This takes the number of such terminations since 2020 to 83. The three persons who have been removed are Malik Ishfaq Naseer, a police constable, Ajaz Ahmed, a government school teacher and Waseem Ahmad Khan, a junior assistant at the Government Medical College in Srinagar, according to government orders issued by the general administration department. The government orders announcing the sackings said that the three persons had been dismissed under Article 311 of the Constitution. This provision protects civil servants from arbitrary dismissal but allows exceptions on the grounds of national security. Commenting on the terminations, Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti asked why the Jammu and Kashmir government was watching the development 'completely unmoved like a mute bystander'. 'Since 2019 hundred of employees have been summarily dismissed without even a trial solely based on unproven allegations of so called terror affiliations,' Mufti said. 'While this iron fist approach may create a facade of normalcy genuine sustainable peace can't be achieved by inflicting suffering on people.' In the days leading up to the sacred occasion of Eid three government employees have been terminated over alleged links to terrorism leaving their families in distress. Since 2019 hundred of employees have been summarily dismissed without even a trial solely based on unproven… — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) June 3, 2025 J&K People's Conference Sajad Lone said that the terminations were unfortunate. 'Time has come to stop this whole practice or retribution,' he said on X. 'This termination concept has been going on for decades. It has not helped in the past. It will not help in the future.' In February as well, Opposition parties had criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for not halting the terminations.
Mint
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
Mehbooba Mufti seeks dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits to Valley: ‘Time to remove blot on Muslims'
People's Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti has sought dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley while while batting for reservation in the assembly for the community. The former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir said the reintegration of Kashmiri pandits must not be viewed merely as a symbolic return, but as an opportunity to build a shared, inclusive and forward-looking future for Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Raj Bhavan on 2 June. This was her first one-on-one meeting with the LG in about five years since the abrogation of Article 370. Mufti also submitted what she called an "inclusive and phased roadmap" to facilitate "meaningful progress" on the front. Mehbooba also submitted copies of the proposal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Quoting the date from Relief Office established by the government of Jammu and Kashmir in 1990, Mehbooba said 44,167 migrant families were officially registered as having fled the Valley due to security reasons in 1990s. Of these about 90 per cent (39,782) families were of Kashmiri pandits. By 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that the number of displaced Kashmiri pandit families had risen to 64,951. In her proposal, Mehbooba said every displaced Kashmiri Pandit family should be allotted half-a-kanal (one kanal= 505.87 sq mt) of state land in their district of origin, contingent upon their willingness to return. The families whose original homes still exist, but are in dilapidated or semi-damaged condition, should be provided targeted financial grants or interest-free loans for structural repairs and modernisation, she added. She also demanded establishment of two reserved assembly constituencies for the community. "This issue goes beyond politics and touches the very core of our collective conscience. It is a moral imperative and a societal responsibility to ensure that our Pandit brothers and sisters, who were tragically displaced from their homeland, are provided with the opportunity to return in a manner that is dignified, secure and sustainable," she said in the letter. Mehbooba said every political party in the union territory, irrespective of ideology, has consistently supported the idea of their return. "The shared pain of their displacement and the yearning for reconciliation bind us all in the belief that Kashmir can once again be a place where communities coexist peacefully. To facilitate meaningful progress on this front, an inclusive and phased roadmap has been attached for your consideration," she said. The PDP president said the proposal emphasises an all-stakeholders approach, ensuring that any policy or plan pitched is rooted in empathy, mutual trust and most importantly, the on ground realities. "I urge your office to initiate a dialogue driven process involving representatives from the community, civil society, local leaders and relevant administrative agencies. Only through inclusive deliberations can we chart a future where no community feels alienated in their own land," she added in the letter to the LG. Mehbooba described the mass displacement as one of the largest internal migrations in post-independence, which necessitates a comprehensive, justice-oriented and sustainable policy framework. "The return of Kashmiri Pandits is not merely a demographic or administrative concern but stands as a matter of historical justice, reconciliation and the restoration of Kashmir's pluralistic ethos," she said. The PDP chief said the return of displaced individuals must be anchored in a sense of security for government employees who play a critical role in rebuilding community confidence. She called for amending and strengthening the provisions under the Prime Minister's Special Rehabilitation Package to include a clearly defined, enforceable mechanism for the secure transfer and redeployment of Pandit employees. "Those posted in vulnerable or high-risk zones must be given the option to be transferred to safer, more stable areas without jeopardizing career progression or benefits," she said. Mehbooba called for holding an annual "Return & Reconnect" summit, bringing together displaced Kashmiri Pandit families, local communities, government officials, civil society organisations and academic experts. She also demanded appointment of dedicated officers in every district of the valley to serve as single-window facilitators for displaced families. 'It is time to work jointly to remove the blot on Kashmiri Muslims over their exodus from the valley,' she told reporters. Later, speaking to reporters here, she said no political process is complete without Kashmiri Pandits. "This is not just the responsibility of the government, but of the people and political parties," she said. The PDP chief also said that the return of KPs cannot be possible without empowering the community and it was the time to work jointly to 'remove the blot on Kashmiri Muslims over their exodus from the valley.' This issue goes beyond politics and touches the very core of our collective conscience.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pahalgam attack casts shadow on turnoutat Kheer Bhawani
The Pahalgam terror attack has cast a shadow on the annual festival of Zyestha Ashtami at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir. According to official figures, the first batch of Kashmiri Pandit devotees, who have come from several parts of the country to Kashmir for the festival, has fallen to 2,500 this year compared to around 4,500 last year. In total, over 30,000 devotees paid obeisance at the temple last year. Additional security However, a subdued response to the key festival of Kashmiri Pandits is evident in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead. Extra security arrangements have been made this year for the festival, officials said. Congress leader Karan Singh on Monday (June 2, 2025) urged devotees to attend the festival in large numbers. 'All necessary security arrangements are in place in Kashmir, especially in Tulmulla area of Ganderbal district, home to the Kheer Bhawani temple,' Mr. Singh, who paid obeisance on Monday, said. 'This place is a great blessing of the Goddess. We must not be afraid and must show the world that we are strong in our faith. People of Kashmir have suffered the most during the conflict. All need to rise above fear and support the region's revival by participating in religious and cultural events,' he added. The Kheer Bhawani festival falls on the auspicious occasion of Jyeshta Ashtami and is being organised at Tulmulla in Ganderbal, Tikker in Kupwara, Devsar and Manzam in Kulgam and Logripora in Anantnag. Former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said, 'The festival has historically been a remarkable example of communal harmony. Even during the challenging years following the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, local Kashmiri Muslims took on the responsibility of maintaining and protecting the Kheer Bhawani shrine, ensuring its sanctity was preserved. This act of care and devotion underscores the deep ties of mutual respect and coexistence that have defined the relationship between the two communities.' With a sense of fear looming large this year post-Pahalgam attack and the four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan, local politicians have come forward to encourage Pandits to visit the Valley temples. 'The festival has historically been a remarkable example of communal harmony. Even during the challenging years following the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley, local Kashmiri Muslims took on the responsibility of maintaining and protecting the Kheer Bhawani shrine, ensuring its sanctity was preserved. This act of care and devotion underscores the deep ties of mutual respect and coexistence that have defined the relationship between the two communities,' former J&K chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said. J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari said the Kheer Bhawani Mela has been the symbol of Kashmir's pluralistic ethos for centuries. 'This sacred festival has played a vital role in fostering communal harmony, brotherhood, and mutual respect among the diverse communities,' he said. Officials said the district administration has made elaborate facilities for devotees. 'To cater to the food and water needs of the pilgrims, langar services and drinking water points have been ensured. Health facilities including the presence of medical teams and ambulances remain on standby throughout the Mela. Moreover, mobile ATMs have been made available to ensure financial convenience for the devotees,' an official said.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Mufti gives proposal for return & rehabilitation of Kashmiri pandits
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, on Monday handed over a proposal for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stating that no political process is complete without Kashmiri said she has also sent a copy of her proposal to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This was the first formal meeting of the People's Democratic Party chief with the LG at Raj Bhawan in recent years. Mufti has proposed that the government should provide 0.5 kanal of land in their native districts to Kashmiri Pandit families, who want to return to Kashmir willingly. She also proposed that instead of nominating two Kashmiri Pandits to the J&K assembly, two assembly seats should be reserved for Kashmiri Pandits, from where they can be voted to the assembly by the common people."The issue of the dignified return and rehabilitation of our Kashmiri Pandit brethren goes beyond politics and touches the very core of our collective conscience," said Mufti adding, "It is a moral imperative and a societal responsibility to ensure that our Pandit brothers and sisters, who were tragically displaced from their homeland, are provided with the opportunity to return in a manner that is dignified, secure and sustainable." She has suggested that the transfer policy of Kashmiri Pandits working in sensitive areas should be relaxed and there should be an annual 'return and reconnect' summit to start consistent inter community per the Ministry of Home Affairs data presented in 2020, the number of displaced Kashmiri Pandit families had risen to 64,951, including 43,618 families in Jammu, 19,338 in Delhi and 995 families in other states and Union Territories."Every political party in J&K, irrespective of ideology, has consistently supported the idea of their return. This proposal emphasises an all-stakeholders approach, ensuring that any policy or plan pitched is rooted in empathy, mutual trust and most importantly, the on-ground realities."
