Srinagar, Apr 9: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief and former chief minister of erstwhile J&K state, Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday alleged that BJP had utilized the suffering of Kashmiri Pandits to bolster its vote bank across India.
She accused the BJP of exploiting their pain and anguish, seeking votes in their name without delivering on the promises.
According to the KNO news agency, Mehbooba while talking to reporters following a condolence meeting for a Kashmiri Pandit family friend alleged that since the BJP-led Center assumed direct control of Jammu and Kashmir, even Kashmiri Pandits who once resided here have departed due to the prevailing circumstances.
“What is happening in the country? Members of our community were lynched, mosques and madrassas were vandalized, homes were demolished. The people of our country, our Hindu brethren, are secular. Many Pandits previously endured challenging times and lived harmoniously alongside Muslims, and we wish for that unity to be restored,” she said.
Addressing the issue of Kashmiri Pandits' return to the valley, Mehbooba emphasized that the community does not rely on government assistance.
“Our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters are enduring difficult conditions in Jammu or elsewhere. I believe they do not require anyone's aid to resettle here—whether it be from the BJP government, Mehbooba Mufti, or anyone else. The people of Kashmir want Kashmiri Pandits to return,”said the PDP President.
