Mehbooba Mufti Advocates for Kashmiri Pandits' Return and Criticizes Militarization

Mehbooba Mufti, leader of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), has called for the reservation of two assembly seats for Kashmiri Pandits in the valley, describing it as an essential step for their return and integration. She emphasized that such a move could foster communal harmony among Pandits and Muslims.

Mufti criticized the military presence during the annual Amarnath Yatra, expressing concerns over the militarization of tourism and religious sites in Jammu and Kashmir. She also highlighted the region's power project agreements, calling for financial compensation and equitable electricity distribution for poor locals.

The PDP president demanded an investigation into recent mysterious deaths of tribal youths, highlighting a worrying pattern of incidents. Mufti censured both the BJP's and National Conference's policies, particularly pointing out the neglect of pressing issues like unemployment and poor infrastructure in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)