New Delhi: In a significant initiative aimed at ensuring return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, an Inter-Community Committee (ICC) has been proposed to be formed and headed by the Mirwaiz of Kashmir Maulvi Umar Farooq.
An understanding in this regard was reached here yesterday when Mirwaiz met a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits representing JK Peace Forum, which is headed by an activist Satish Mahaldar.
The idea behind forming the ICC is to bridge the gulf between the majority Kashmiri Muslim community and minority Pandits.
It will represent all communities of the Valley and focus on facilitating the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland Kashmir, said a statement issued by the JK Peace Forum on Saturday.
The committee will also explore initiatives such as government support for the rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, including the creation of inclusive designated colonies to aid their reintegration into society, a statement issued after the meeting said.
The Kashmiri Pandit delegation strongly encouraged Mirwaiz Farooq to lead this initiative as a confidence-building measure, and he committed to taking proactive steps towards this goal, the statement said.
Mirwaiz Farooq reaffirmed that the plight of Kashmiri Pandits is a humanitarian issue and must be addressed with care and urgency.
He also stated that “Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits”.
Mirwaiz, who is the chief cleric of Kashmir’s historic Jamia Masjid where he addresses devotees after Friday prayers, said, “The suffering of Kashmiri Pandits needs to be addressed earnestly and this has been a point I have raised repeatedly in my discourses.”
Mirwaiz Farooq emphasized the shared suffering of both Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits over the decades.
He acknowledged the painful exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989-90, a chapter that continues to affect both communities.
He said the younger generation must be made aware of Kashmir’s composite culture.
The meeting lasted for about one and a half hours during which pivotal discussion aimed at fostering greater cooperation among the two communities of Kashmir, the statement said.
During the meeting it was agreed to take steps forward to address historical grievances and work towards a peaceful and inclusive future for Jammu and Kashmir.
Among other things the ICC will address the issues of other minority communities and will focus on promoting economic development, trade, and employment generation besides preserving Kashmir’s unique cultural heritage.
“It was agreed that this collaborative effort will serve as a pathway to healing, unity, and a more prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir”, the statement added.
The Kashmiri Pandit delegation spoke about the deep hardships they’ve faced as a community and alleged that they were hounded out for none of their reasons.
The Pandits also alleged that “they suffered in scorching heat, snake bites, selling all their earnings, properties to educate their children”.
They also highlighted that, despite being forced out of their homeland, they have always extended support to their Muslim brothers and sisters in times of distress, and vice versa.
The Pandit delegation emphasized that religious leaders, particularly Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, hold the moral authority to lead this initiative given their influence across the region.
The delegation reminded Mirwaiz that as the spiritual leader of Kashmir, he represents not just the Muslim community, but also all minorities, and that his leadership is crucial in restoring the region’s peace and harmony.
UNI
