Onlykashmir.in News Desk
New Delhi, India: In a heartfelt and significant move towards encouraging communal harmony, a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits from the J&K Peace Forum met with Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on 31st January 2025 at Hotel JW Marriott, New Delhi. The discussions, lasting over an hour and a half, focused on healing past wounds and working towards an inclusive and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq spoke passionately about the shared pain of both Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits, acknowledging the suffering of those who were displaced in 1989-90. He reiterated that Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits and emphasized the need to address their hardships with urgency. He stressed the importance of educating the younger generation about Kashmir’s rich, composite culture and the need for coexistence.
The Kashmiri Pandit delegation, in turn, shared their struggles of displacement, enduring harsh conditions, financial hardships, and social alienation. They expressed that despite their forced exodus, they have always maintained solidarity with their Muslim brothers and sisters. Acknowledging the influence and moral authority of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, they urged him to take the lead in restoring communal harmony in Kashmir.
By the end of the meeting, an important agreement was reached—the formation of an Inter-Community Committee under the leadership of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. This committee will bring together representatives from all communities of Kashmir, focusing on the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits, addressing minority concerns, fostering economic development, preserving cultural heritage, and encouraging cooperation among young professionals. The committee will also explore government-backed rehabilitation initiatives, including the establishment of inclusive residential colonies to support the reintegration of displaced Pandits.
The Kashmiri Pandit delegation strongly supported Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s leadership in this initiative, seeing it as a vital step toward building trust and confidence. Mirwaiz assured them of his commitment to taking concrete steps in fostering communal unity and reconciliation. This initiative is seen as a beacon of hope, paving the way for healing, trust, and a more harmonious future for Jammu and Kashmir.
