PDP Leader Emphasizes Emotional Healing Over Relief, Advocates Government Engagement for Community’s Inclusion
PDP’s Waheed Para Calls for Reintegration of Kashmiri Pandits Beyond Segregation
Srinagar, Mar 20: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Para on Wednesday urged the government to adopt a more holistic approach toward the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, emphasizing that their struggle is not just about relief but also about dignity, identity, and emotional healing.
Speaking at an event, Para highlighted that the Kashmiri Pandit community has endured immense trauma and should not be seen merely as migrants requiring resettlement. He called for increased district-level coordination and engagement to address their concerns more effectively.
“We should not see Kashmiri Pandits as a migrant issue alone. The government must ensure their reintegration into society beyond segregation. They deserve respect and dignity, not just relief and rehabilitation,” Para said.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hameed Karra emphasized that dialogue remains the ultimate solution to all conflicts, urging continuous engagement to resolve issues concerning Kashmiri Pandits.
“I believe that in any conflict, the final solution lies in dialogue. The doors of discussion should never be closed,” Karra stated.
On February 3, representatives of the All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), led by president Ravinder Pandita, met Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi. They submitted a memorandum demanding that Kashmiri Pandits be recognized as a minority community in Jammu and Kashmir and that a dedicated commission be set up to address their concerns.
Pandita pointed out the paradox of Kashmiri Hindus being considered a minority in J&K but a majority in the union territory overall, stressing that this demand has gained significance post the abrogation of Article 370.
The Indian government has already taken several steps to facilitate the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, including the creation of 3,000 additional government jobs and the construction of 6,000 transit accommodations in the Kashmir Valley at an estimated cost of ₹1,080 crore and ₹920 crore, respectively.
