KPC rejects Mirwaiz’s claims, demands justice and dignified return for Kashmiri Pandits

rc sharma
Delhi, Feb 08: The Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) strongly denounces Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s recent comments in an interview with Rising Kashmir, stating that his remarks fail to acknowledge the brutal ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990. The KPC emphasizes that the community, still in exile after 35 years, continues to seek justice, accountability, and a dignified return with security and constitutional guarantees. No political statements can erase the pain and betrayal experienced by the community.
Kundan Kashmiri, President of KPC, rejected Mirwaiz’s claims of rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits, calling them hollow and lacking credibility. He questioned how the community could trust Mirwaiz, who failed to protect his own father, Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq, and separatist leader Abdul Gani Lone from extremists. Despite Mirwaiz’s assertions that the Muslim community is ready to welcome Pandits back, the KPC pointed out his silence on the 1990 genocide and the absence of mass protests for justice.
Mirwaiz’s suggestion that Kashmiri Pandits should not live in “No Entry” zones was countered by Kundan Kashmiri, who reminded him that the Pandits never chose segregation. It was terrorism that forced them out. He also criticized Mirwaiz’s offer of subsidized land for Pandit resettlement, calling it an insult. The community does not seek charity, but restitution for their looted homes, burned properties, and illegally occupied lands.
Kundan Kashmiri further stated that trust cannot be rebuilt through words alone, urging Mirwaiz to acknowledge the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits and demand accountability for the massacres of Wandhama, Sangrampora, and Nadimarg. Mirwaiz’s failure to recognize the genocide was seen as an attempt to rewrite history and absolve those responsible for the suffering.
When asked about security, Kundan Kashmiri pointed out that even Kashmiri Muslims who oppose terrorism are unsafe in the Valley. He questioned how Kashmiri Pandits could trust Mirwaiz’s assurances when innocent civilians continue to be targeted and killed.
KPC Chief also emphasized that the past of Kashmiri Pandits is not just a grievance but a history of crimes against humanity. He urged for compensation for the lives lost, jobs taken, and properties seized. The community, he said, will never compromise on its right to return to Kashmir under its own terms, with full constitutional guarantees and restitution of properties.
Kundan Kashmiri concluded by reiterating that Kashmiri Pandits are an integral part of India and will never engage with those advocating separatism. He demanded that Mirwaiz clarify whether he acknowledges Kashmir’s final accession to India and whether he believes in the Indian constitutional framework.
The KPC President asserted that Kashmiri Pandits will return not as guests but as equal citizens, rejecting any offers that lack a commitment to justice. “Justice first, return second. No compromise, no dialogue,” he declared.