TULMULLA (GANDERBAL), June 22, 2026 : People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday called upon Kashmiri Pandits to move beyond the painful memories of the past and work towards building a shared future with the people of Kashmir.
Mufti made the remarks during her visit to the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, where thousands of devotees gathered to celebrate the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, one of the most significant religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Interacting with devotees and speaking to reporters, the PDP chief welcomed the large turnout of Kashmiri Pandits from across the country and emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and strengthening communal bonds.
“We want our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters to forget what happened in the past and look forward to the future,” Mufti said.
Calls for Reconciliation and Stronger Community Bonds
Sharing her thoughts on social media platform X, Mehbooba Mufti described the scenes at the Kheer Bhawani Mela as deeply emotional and encouraging.
“The warmth and affection between Kashmiri Pandits and Muslims transcended the walls of mistrust and division that some have sought to build for their own agendas. It is time we stop being prisoners of the past and invest in a shared future,” she wrote.
The former Chief Minister stressed that direct engagement between communities is essential for healing old wounds and restoring the centuries-old social fabric of Kashmir.
Praises Kashmiri Pandit Doctors for Service to Society
Mufti also highlighted the contribution of several Kashmiri Pandit doctors who continue to serve patients both within and outside the Valley.
She noted that many Kashmiris travelling outside Jammu and Kashmir for medical treatment are often welcomed and cared for by Kashmiri Pandit doctors, while several prominent doctors continue serving patients within Kashmir itself.
Referring to doctors such as Dr Sushil Razdan, Dr U Koul, and Dr Sameer Koul, she said their commitment goes beyond healthcare.
“Their work is not just healing bodies; it is helping heal old wounds and rebuild bonds between communities,” she remarked.
Mufti encouraged young Kashmiri Pandit professionals, particularly doctors, to reconnect with their roots and visit Kashmir more frequently.
Seeks Better Facilities for Kashmiri Pandits
The PDP leader also urged the government to improve living conditions and welfare measures for Kashmiri Pandits, particularly migrant families residing in Jammu and Kashmir.
She expressed concern over housing conditions and welfare-related issues faced by members of the community living in migrant colonies.
“The government should provide all facilities to Kashmiri Pandits who have come here or are living here. They are living in one-bedroom flats, and similar issues are being faced by families in Jagti. There are also concerns related to NFSA benefits which need to be addressed,” she said.
Mufti argued that displaced Kashmiri Pandit families require special attention and support to ensure their welfare and dignity.
Appeal for Unity and Brotherhood
Concluding her remarks, Mehbooba Mufti appealed to all sections of society to strengthen communal harmony and focus on the future rather than remaining divided by past tragedies.
She urged Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims to maintain direct connections with each other and work together for peace, reconciliation, and mutual understanding.
The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela once again witnessed an atmosphere of devotion, cultural unity, and emotional reunions, with devotees and local residents coming together in a spirit of brotherhood and shared heritage.
