Srinagar, June 04 (KNS):In a landmark show of communal harmony, hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits were warmly welcomed back to their homeland at a historic event organized by Kashmir Society International and Tehreek-e-Tasawuf International. The reception, held at the spiritually significant Ishber Gupt Ganga Ashram in Srinagar, was chaired by Khwaja Farooq Renzushah, Mir Javed Amin, and Dr. Rakesh Zutshi.

This marked the first open public interaction between Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits since the 1990s mass migration, aiming to send a powerful message against hate and division.

Symbol of Kashmir’s Composite Culture
Speakers and guests described the gathering as a return to the values of Kashmir’s shared history, evoking the era of Sufi saints like Hazrat Bulbul Shah and great rulers like Lalitaditya. Intellectuals, political figures, and civil society members from both communities attended, celebrating Kashmir’s deep-rooted tradition of unity and tolerance.

Standing Up to Hate Politics
Khwaja Farooq Renzushah, Mir Javed Amin, and Dr. Zutshi said the event was a strong response to those who benefit from conflict and division. They criticized the misuse of Pandit properties and religious spaces, stressing that Kashmir’s real identity is one of peace and brotherhood—not radicalism.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Mir Javed Amin, a senior political strategist, stated, “We defeated foreign invasions together in the past—today, we must defeat hatred and communalism the same way.”

Shared Heritage and Future
Dr. Rakesh Zutshi, a prominent social and political activist, highlighted the deep cultural ties between communities. “Our folklore, festivals, and sacred sites are shared. That’s the real strength of Kashmir,” he said.

Unresolved Issues Remain
While the event was celebrated as a step forward, speakers also pointed to challenges ahead, including:
– Illegal occupation of displaced Pandits’ properties and religious lands
– Alleged bias in government recruitments, including appointments of radical clerics to reserved posts
– The need for continued dialogue to ensure justice and dignified return of displaced families

A New Beginning?
The emotional reunion between Pandits and Muslims offered a rare glimpse of hope for reconciliation in the Valley. Whether this event sparks a lasting chapter of peace and return, or remains symbolic, will depend on continued efforts from all sections of society.(KNS)