J&K CM Omar Abdullah Says Pandits’ Safe Return Depends on Security Conditions
Omar Abdullah says security and confidence restoration are vital for Kashmiri Pandits’ dignified return.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday emphasized that the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their native places depends primarily on an improved security environment and restored confidence. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly during a discussion on a private member’s bill, Abdullah said that while the government continues to prioritize the protection of religious sites and properties, current conditions are not yet safe for resettlement.
“The displacement of Kashmiri Pandits is a reality that no government or community denies,” Abdullah said. He noted that successive administrations have attempted to facilitate the community’s return, but the ground situation has not reached a level where they feel secure enough to come back. “Without restoring that confidence, expecting their return would not be realistic,” he added.
Abdullah highlighted ongoing measures to safeguard properties belonging to the displaced community, stressing that religious sites linked to them remain a priority. He also pointed to past legislative efforts aimed at protecting such properties, noting that previous bills faced resistance from some community members. Any future legislation, he said, must achieve broad consensus to prevent internal divisions.
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The Chief Minister underscored the importance of portraying stories of communal harmony and protection, which often go underrepresented compared to negative narratives. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of the displaced Pandit community while working to create conditions for their safe and dignified return.
Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave their homes in the early 1990s following a wave of violence carried out by Pakistan-backed militants. Abdullah’s remarks reflect ongoing government efforts to balance security, property protection, and community trust as part of long-term resettlement plans.
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