Jammu, January 20, 2026 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said that Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits, asserting that people in the Valley are eagerly awaiting their dignified return.
Addressing a press conference at the PDP headquarters in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, Mehbooba said the return of Kashmiri Pandits is essential for restoring Kashmir’s social and cultural fabric. Her remarks came as the community marked 36 years in exile on January 16 and held protests demanding their return and rehabilitation.
“Kashmiri Pandits must take their own decision. We are eagerly waiting for their return because the Valley is incomplete without them,” she said.
The PDP chief also suggested that instead of nominating two members of the community to the Assembly, it would be more appropriate to reserve two Assembly seats for Kashmiri Pandits.
She said she recently raised this issue during her meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, emphasising that elected representation would help bring communities closer.
“Let them come and contest elections. They will seek votes and Muslims will vote for them. This is how communities come together,” Mehbooba said.
Questioning the effectiveness of nominations, she said nominating individuals living outside Jammu and Kashmir does not genuinely represent or benefit the community.
“They are our brothers. We want them to return with dignity and live together with us so that Kashmir becomes complete again,” she added.
