Kashmiri Pandits Are Our Own People, Integral to Valley’s Culture: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Jammu & Kashmir

Kashmiri Pandits Are Inseparable from Valley’s Ethos: Mirwaiz Denounces Threats, Flags Constitutional Rights & Ecological Crisis

Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir calls for the safe return of Pandits, urges J&K political leadership to seek constitutional guarantees beyond statehood, and cautions against unchecked environmental damage and economic strain.

By State Correspondents Bureau • Published: Saturday • Location: Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Emphasizing that Kashmiri Pandits are an indispensable part of the region’s shared heritage and destiny, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq strongly condemned intimidation against the community and urged sustained governmental and societal endeavors to facilitate their dignified return to the Valley.

Interacting with media persons in Srinagar, the chief cleric underlined that the minority community belongs to the very soil of the region and cannot be viewed through an external lens.

“Kashmiri Pandits are not outsiders; they are our own people. They are a part of our culture, our history, and even our future. Concerted efforts must continue to ensure their return to the Valley.”

Call for Constitutional Guarantees and Political Accountability

Addressing the broader political climate in Jammu and Kashmir, Mirwaiz urged all regional leaders and political parties—including Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi—to unite and actively defend the identity and constitutional rights of the people.

He noted that the region’s reorganization into a Union Territory stripped away key safeguards, stating that the demand for statehood alone falls short of addressing fundamental concerns.

“Restoration of statehood alone should not be the sole demand. Political parties must advocate for Article 370 and the complete constitutional guarantees that were removed. While basic infrastructure like roads and electricity is essential, the core issue remains the restoration of people’s political and constitutional rights.”

Voicing dissatisfaction with the governance approach of the National Conference administration, Mirwaiz remarked that the administration has yet to build public confidence regarding core regional rights and promises.

Warning Over Unchecked Ecological Degradation

Expressing deep distress over recent natural calamities across Jammu and Kashmir—including flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides—Mirwaiz warned that the fragile Himalayan environment is bearing the brunt of human interference, unauthorized construction, and global climate shifts.

Environmental Concerns Highlighted:

Fragile Waterways: Deteriorating condition of iconic water bodies like Dal Lake and Wular Lake due to illegal encroachments.
Flood Plain Violations: Questioned ongoing construction near vulnerable flood channels, drawing comparisons to the devastating 2014 deluge.
Unregulated Tourism Expansion: Warned that haphazard road networks and commercial projects in mountainous hubs like Pahalgam could precipitate ecological disasters.

He stressed that preserving forests and mountain ecosystems is a regional responsibility, calling upon policymakers and environmental experts to establish strict, sustainable town planning protocols.

Commenting on rising crime rates, Mirwaiz stressed the perpetual need for introspection and collective moral reform. He highlighted the pivotal position mosques and religious institutions hold in guiding society, particularly during the ongoing spiritual congregations of Rabi-ul-Awal.

Invoking a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he reminded everyone: “Everyone is responsible, and everyone will be held accountable for their responsibilities.”

Economic Pressures, Tariff Hikes, and Unemployment

Concluding his remarks, Mirwaiz addressed the economic vulnerabilities facing ordinary households, advising the government against sudden utility tariff increases that disproportionately impact economically disadvantaged citizens.

He urged the administration to prioritize job creation over revenue hikes, pointing out that nearly 21 lakh youths were reported unemployed in Jammu and Kashmir last year. He underscored that in the absence of a thriving private corporate sector and a well-supported tourism industry, resolving regional unemployment remains one of the most pressing socio-economic imperatives.