In a significant statement during her visit to the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal, Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti reaffirmed her party’s long-standing position that peace in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be achieved through guns, whether in the hands of the militants or the military. Instead, she called for a meaningful political process—one that must include the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

A Call for Inclusive Political Dialogue

Speaking to reporters during the annual Mela Kheer Bhawani, Mehbooba Mufti said, “There is no military solution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue. The guns—be it of militants or security forces—will never solve the problem. A political process is the only way forward.”

However, she emphasised that such a political process would remain incomplete without the return of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to flee the Valley during the peak of insurgency in the 1990s.

“Our Pandit brothers and sisters must return with dignity and be part of the Valley’s social and political fabric once again,” Mehbooba Mufti said.

Temple Visit and Symbolic Message

The former chief minister’s visit to Mata Kheer Bhawani temple, a spiritual and cultural landmark for Kashmiri Pandits, was symbolically significant. This temple, deeply revered by the community, has been a focal point during the annual mela, attracting Pandits from across India.

Her presence at the temple and remarks made there sent a message of solidarity and inclusiveness, and appeared to be a strategic move to bridge communal and regional gaps at a time when polarisation is at its peak.

Roadmap Submitted to Lieutenant Governor

Just a day before the temple visit, Mehbooba met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and submitted an “inclusive and phased roadmap” for the return of Kashmiri Pandits.

This proposal reportedly includes:

• Identification of secure residential zones for returnees

• Employment packages to support their livelihood

• Educational infrastructure for children

• Community reintegration initiatives

She argued that the return of Pandits should not be viewed merely as a symbolic act, but as a crucial step towards healing, reconciliation, and rebuilding a shared future in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Reintegration must be more than a gesture—it must become a genuine effort to rebuild trust,” she added.

No Military Path to Peace

Reiterating her stance against the excessive use of force in Kashmir, Mehbooba condemned the idea that military might can resolve a deeply rooted socio-political issue.

“The gun has brought nothing but bloodshed,” she said, “and unless New Delhi engages with all stakeholders, especially those alienated, peace will remain elusive.”

This sentiment echoes the broader PDP philosophy, which has long advocated for dialogue between India, Pakistan, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir, rather than a one-dimensional security approach.

Wider Implications in J&K Politics

Mehbooba Mufti’s statements and gestures come at a time when mainstream political activity is slowly reviving in J&K, following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Her renewed push for the Kashmiri Pandit issue aims to restore communal harmony and rebuild PDP’s image as a party for all communities in the region.

It is also a clear signal to the Centre that PDP is ready to engage politically, but on terms that honour all communities’ rights and histories.

The Displacement of Kashmiri Pandits: A Brief Background

The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the early 1990s, triggered by insurgency and threats from extremists, remains one of the most painful chapters in the history of independent India.

Over 3.5 lakh Pandits were displaced, with many settling in camps in Jammu, Delhi, and other parts of India. Since then, despite various governments announcing packages and policies, a substantial return has not taken place.

Security concerns, lack of infrastructure, and trust deficits continue to hinder this process. Mehbooba’s proposal seeks to address these very issues in a phased and inclusive manner.

Need for Symbolic and Practical Confidence Building

Analysts note that such steps—temple visits, public endorsements, and concrete roadmaps—are part of a long-term confidence-building process.

To be successful, however, these must be followed by sustained government action, cross-community dialogue, and a clear policy framework from the Centre.

“Words must now translate into policy,” said one political observer from Srinagar, “or the mistrust will only deepen.”

Cultural Significance of Kheer Bhawani

The Kheer Bhawani temple, where Mehbooba Mufti made her remarks, is more than a religious site. It represents a powerful emotional and cultural link between Kashmiri Pandits and the Valley.

Her participation in the annual Mela, held amid tight security, was welcomed by many in the community and seen as a step towards reconciliation and recognition of their aspirations.

The Way Forward: Policy and People

To achieve sustainable peace and political normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, the focus must shift towards:

• Inclusive governance

• Securing minority rights

• Truth and reconciliation measures

• Employment, education, and housing policies for displaced populations

The success of any such roadmap depends on political will, bureaucratic execution, and above all, societal support.

Conclusion

Mehbooba Mufti’s renewed focus on the return of Kashmiri Pandits is not just political posturing. It is a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the need to rebuild the Valley as a shared space of mutual respect and inclusive growth.

Her clear stance against violence, support for political solutions, and call for respectful reintegration may reshape the narrative around Kashmir, especially at a time when India prepares for fresh elections and evolving geopolitical challenges.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on how this roadmap is received by the Centre, other political parties, and the Pandit community itself. For now, Mehbooba Mufti has reignited a conversation that had long remained buried under the weight of political inertia.

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