Time to Rebuild Broken Bonds: Mirwaiz Appeals Kashmiri Pandits to Return To Homeland
Srinagar, Jun 14: Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called for reconciliation and rebuilding of broken bonds, urging the Kashmiri Pandit community to return to their homeland. In his address at the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta, Farooq extended felicitations to the Kashmiri Pandit community on the occasion of Mela Kheer Bhawani.
Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits gathered at the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal district, to pay obeisance. Mela Kheer Bhawani, an annual event dedicated to Rangya Devi, is celebrated across various shrines and temples in Jammu and Kashmir, marking ‘Zyeth Atham’ or ‘Jyeshtha Ashtami’.
Reflecting on the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990 due to the eruption of militancy, Mirwaiz Farooq emphasized the need for the community to return to their roots. He highlighted the shared heritage and the importance of rebuilding trust and harmony.
“Today is Mela Kheer Bhawani, and I felicitate our Kashmiri Pandit community on this occasion. I urge them to return to their homeland, which eagerly awaits their return. It is time to reconcile and rebuild the broken bonds for the sake of our future generations,” Farooq stated.
Addressing a recent incident where two individuals allegedly consumed liquor during a shikara ride on Dal Lake, Farooq expressed his shock and disapproval. The police have registered a case and arrested two people involved in the incident. Farooq stressed that preventing such incidents requires collective responsibility from society.
“Thankfully, the authorities have taken action against this outrageous incident. However, we must ensure that the ethos of Kashmir, based on Islamic values and principles, remains intact. We must be vigilant and actively work to preserve these values, especially those involved in the tourism industry,” he added.
Mirwaiz Farooq also demanded an investigation into the recent death of a youth in police custody in Pulwama district. He called for a thorough investigation and appropriate punishment for the accused, emphasizing that such incidents must be addressed to maintain trust in the justice system.
Lastly, Farooq commented on the dismissal of government employees, stating that such actions contribute to public distress and deepen mistrust. He urged for measures that build confidence rather than creating further divisions within the community.
