In a significant move toward communal harmony in Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has proposed the formation of an Inter-Community Committee aimed at bridging gaps between Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits.
The announcement came following a meeting between Mirwaiz and a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits from the J&K Peace Forum at Hotel JW Marriott, New Delhi, on January 31.
During the one-and-a-half-hour discussion, Mirwaiz emphasized the shared suffering of both communities, stating, “Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits.”
He acknowledged the painful exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989-90, reiterating, “The suffering of Kashmiri Pandits needs to be addressed earnestly, and this has been a point I have raised repeatedly in my discourses.”
He further stressed the importance of preserving Kashmir’s rich cultural fabric, saying, “The younger generation must be made aware of Kashmir’s composite culture.”
The Kashmiri Pandit delegation shared their ongoing hardships, highlighting the adversity they faced after being displaced from their homeland.
They mentioned how they were “hounded out for none of their reasons” and recounted their struggles, including selling all their possessions to provide education for their children. Despite these challenges, they emphasized their continuous support for their Muslim brothers and sisters.
They remarked, “We have always extended support to our Muslim brothers and sisters in times of distress, and vice versa.”
The delegation also pointed out the moral authority of religious leaders like Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in leading this initiative. They stressed that, as “the spiritual leader of Kashmir,” Mirwaiz represents not just Muslims but also all communities, including minorities.