Tulmulla

People's Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday urged Kashmiri Pandits to move beyond the painful memories of the past and work towards a shared future in the Valley, stressing the importance of rebuilding trust and communal harmony.

Mufti made the remarks during her visit to the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, where she interacted with devotees attending the annual Kheer Bhawani mela.

Addressing reporters, the former chief minister welcomed the large turnout of Kashmiri Pandits at the festival and said their presence reflected enduring cultural and emotional ties with Kashmir.

“We want our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters to forget what happened in the past and look forward to the future,” Mufti said.

Call for Reconciliation

In a message posted on social media, Mufti described the atmosphere at the festival as a powerful reminder of Kashmir's tradition of communal coexistence.

She said the warmth and interaction between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims demonstrated that people-to-people relationships remained stronger than attempts to divide communities.

“It is time we stop being prisoners of the past and invest in a shared future,” she said.

Praises Kashmiri Pandit Doctors

Mufti also highlighted the role of several Kashmiri Pandit doctors who continue to serve patients in the Valley and outside it.

She praised medical professionals such as Sushil Razdan, U Koul and Sameer Koul, saying their service has helped bridge divides and strengthen bonds between communities.

According to her, many Kashmiris travelling outside the Valley for treatment are cared for by Kashmiri Pandit doctors, while several specialists continue to serve patients within Kashmir itself.

Government Support for Migrants

The PDP chief also called on the administration to improve facilities for Kashmiri Pandits, particularly migrant families.

She pointed to housing constraints faced by Pandits living in the Valley and raised concerns about issues affecting migrant communities in Jagti, including access to welfare benefits under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).

Mufti argued that displaced Kashmiri Pandits require special support and should receive all benefits intended for migrant families.

Appeal for Direct Engagement

Concluding her remarks, Mufti appealed for greater interaction between Kashmiri Pandits and local Kashmiris, saying efforts at reconciliation should be led by the communities themselves.

She also urged Pandits not to allow themselves to be used for political purposes and instead focus on strengthening direct social and cultural connections with the people of Kashmir.

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“We should not look into the past, but look forward,” she said, while calling for continued brotherhood and mutual trust between communities.