The All India Kashmiri Hindu Forum (AIKHF) announced its merger with the Congress at the party headquarters on Saturday, marking a significant development.
Jammu Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Vikar Rasool Wani extended a warm welcome to AIKHF chairman Rattan Lal Bhan and other members joining the party.
Established in 1998, AIKHF’s decision to unite with the Congress is seen as a substantial endorsement for the party, as highlighted by Wani during his interaction with reporters.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the BJP-led central government’s track record, Wani criticized their handling of Kashmiri Pandits’ concerns over the past decade. He accused the BJP of exploiting the community’s aspirations for political gain without delivering substantial results.
Wani urged other Kashmiri Pandit organizations to follow suit and align with the Congress, emphasizing the historical connection between the Nehru family and Kashmir, which he believes fosters genuine empathy towards the displaced Pandits within the party.
In response, Bhan cited the efforts of the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-led government in addressing the needs of Kashmiri Pandits as a significant factor in the decision to merge with the Congress. He expressed a sense of belonging and trust, contrasting it with what he perceives as exploitation by the BJP.