New Delhi, February 1 :

In a significant development aimed at fostering communal harmony and reconciliation, a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits from the J&K Peace Forum met with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at Hotel JW Marriott, New Delhi, on January 31, 2025. The high-level discussions focused on addressing past grievances and paving the way for peaceful coexistence between Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits.
During the one-and-a-half-hour-long meeting, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq acknowledged the shared suffering of both communities, particularly the painful exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989-90. Calling it a humanitarian issue that requires urgent attention, he reiterated the need for justice, reconciliation, and unity.
“Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits,” Mirwaiz stated. “The suffering of Kashmiri Pandits needs to be addressed earnestly, and this has been a point I have raised repeatedly in my discourses. The younger generation must be made aware of Kashmir’s composite culture.”
The Kashmiri Pandit delegation shared their experiences of hardship, recalling the difficulties they faced in exile, including displacement, economic struggles, and the emotional toll of leaving their homeland. Despite these challenges, they emphasized their continued support for their Muslim brethren and the shared aspirations for peace in the valley. They urged Mirwaiz to use his moral and spiritual leadership to spearhead reconciliation efforts, given his influence across the region.
Formation of an Inter-Community Committee
The meeting resulted in a historic agreement to form an Inter-Community Committee under the leadership of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. This committee will represent all communities of Kashmir and will focus on:
Facilitating the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to their ancestral homes.
Addressing the concerns of other minority communities to ensure inclusivity.
Promoting economic development, trade, and employment to strengthen communal ties.
Preserving Kashmir’s unique cultural heritage for future generations.
Encouraging cooperation among young professionals to foster unity and collaboration.
The committee will also explore government-supported rehabilitation initiatives, including the establishment of inclusive designated colonies for returning Kashmiri Pandits to help them reintegrate into society smoothly.
The delegation strongly encouraged Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to lead this initiative as a confidence-building measure. In response, he committed to taking proactive steps towards its realization, marking a significant milestone in Kashmir’s journey toward reconciliation and peace.
This initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in restoring harmony, rebuilding trust, and ensuring a prosperous and inclusive future for all communities in Jammu and Kashmir.

By SNS KASHMIR

Shaharbeen News Service Kashmir is a news service which covers, gathers, writes, and distributes news to newspapers, periodicals, radio and television broadcasters, government agencies, and other users. We at SNS Kashmir believe in fair and independent journalism to inform our masses or subscribers and readers about the happenings around the world. The prime focus of the news gathering and reporting is focused on Jammu and Kashmir state.

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