Farooq Abdullah Calls for Return of Kashmiri Pandits Amid NC Government Formation

Farooq Abdullah, the veteran leader of Jammu and Kashmir's National Conference (NC), urged Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homeland, marking a significant development as the NC gears up to form the new government. Addressing the Kashmiri Pandit community, Abdullah emphasized that the region was their home and extended an open invitation for them to come back. His remarks underscore a broader message of unity, as he assured that the NC government is not their adversary and pledged to support their resettlement.

The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the early 1990s during heightened conflict remains a deep scar in the region's history. Over three decades later, Abdullah's call reflects an effort to heal those wounds as the NC aims to restore harmony among the different communities in Jammu and Kashmir. The NC chief further reiterated that his party does not differentiate between religious groups, emphasizing that Hindus, Muslims, and others should live together in peace.

This message came on the heels of the NC's successful performance in the recent Jammu and Kashmir elections, where the party secured 42 seats in the 90-seat assembly. Alongside support from independents and smaller parties, the NC-Congress alliance is poised to form the government with a clear mandate. The NC's platform focused on restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under President's Rule for the last six years.