In Kashmir, Former CM Mehbooba Mufti Attends Pandit Ritual, Urges Unity

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday attended the sacred thread investiture ceremony of Pandit children in south Kashmir, an event seen as an effort to foster communal harmony.

Ms. Mufti participated in the Mekhal ceremony (sacred thread investiture) of R.K. Bhat's children at their ancestral village, Omooh, in Verinag. 'Witnessing this sacred tradition being observed once again on the soil of their forefathers filled my heart with hope and happiness. May this be the beginning of many more such occasions,' she said.

The event comes at a time when some displaced Kashmiri Pandit groups are considering returning to the valley, citing improved security and a decline in militant recruitment. Ms. Mufti emphasized the shared heritage between communities: 'No amount of hate or attempts to divide us can succeed. Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims are bound by a shared history, culture, and destiny. We are one, and we will remain one.'

She stressed that the initiative for reconciliation is coming from the communities themselves, not the government. 'I think there is less of a role for the government and more of our Muslim and Pandit brothers together. We are one, we are not different. I request our Kashmiri Pandit brethren not to look at the past, but look towards the future,' she added.

Separately, a former Hurriyat leader, Syed Salim Gilani, attended an interfaith harmony event titled 'Heart to Heart, Dil Se Dil Tak Conference' organized by the Jammu and Kashmir United People's Alliance. The conference discussed the 'dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits.'

Muzzafar Shah, head of the J&K Awami National Conference, urged rebuilding trust: 'Both the communities have suffered. It is time to move forward, rebuild trust, strengthen communal harmony, and work collectively for the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir.'

Dr. Manorama Bakshi, a participant, said the conference focused on trust rather than blame. 'All voices were heard. It focused on trust and not indulging in the blame game. We discussed what can be done so that history is not repeated.' She added that the return of Kashmiri Pandits requires a proper roadmap, rehabilitation, and trust-building: 'Change is visible, but restoring the plural spirit of Kashmir will take time, collective effort and sustained commitment.'