Union Minister Jitendra Singh asserted on Thursday that Kashmir’s majority Muslim community will one day regret the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, emphasizing that the Valley feels incomplete without their presence, Press Trust of India reported.
“I have no hesitation in saying this,” Singh remarked. “Despite sounding orthodox or even rebellious, I have said that the day would come when the majority community in Kashmir would regret the exodus of Pandits. I believe this is going to happen soon.”
The minister, speaking at an event where he inaugurated the Mata Saraswati Auditorium at Gandhi Memorial College, said that Kashmir’s distinctive culture was nurtured by the harmonious coexistence of Kashmiri Pandits and other communities.
He noted that, although not immediately realized, the absence of Pandits has led to the fading of composite cultural values after two to three generations.
Singh also highlighted that positive transformations have occurred in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.
“In their hearts, even the common man in the Kashmir Muslim community is supportive of its revocation,” he said, attributing these sentiments to a deeper sense of satisfaction among the people despite some initial hesitancy.
Further discussing educational reforms, Singh praised the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which he said liberates students from traditional pressures and allows them to pursue courses suited to their individual talents.
He encouraged teachers to foster students’ potential, advocating that this approach aligns with India’s current progress in technology and start-ups.
The minister concluded by announcing the government’s decision to hold start-up exhibitions nationwide, with one scheduled soon in Srinagar, to promote awareness and inspire youth to explore self-employment initiatives.