On Monday, January 19, 2026, National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah stated that Kashmiri Pandits are welcome to return to their homes in the Kashmir Valley. He made these remarks while acknowledging that the displaced community observes January 19 as 'Holocaust Day,' marking their exodus from the Valley in 1990 due to threats and killings by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.
Abdullah questioned why Kashmiri Pandits have not yet returned. He stated, "When will they return (to Kashmir)? Who is stopping them? No one is preventing them. They should come back, as it is their home". He also noted that many Kashmiri Pandit families have remained in the Valley and continue to live peacefully.
However, Abdullah expressed doubt that Kashmiri Pandits would ever return to the valley permanently. He suggested that the younger generations of Kashmiri Pandits have established lives outside the Valley, pursuing education and careers elsewhere. He acknowledged that these individuals might visit Kashmir, but he does not anticipate them resettling there permanently. Abdullah stated that they have grown older, and many are seeking medical treatment while their children are studying in colleges, schools, and universities.
Abdullah recalled past efforts to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits with assurances of rehabilitation and security. He also mentioned previous assurances that the government would construct houses for them and provide necessary support.
Abdullah also addressed communal issues. He warned against the deliberate fueling of communal hatred in the country, which he believes is being used to win elections. He said that the division between Hindus and Muslims poses a serious threat to India's unity. He also criticized Pakistan, asserting that they "will never mend its ways" but affirmed that Kashmir's political choice to stay with India was made long ago.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits, under the banner of 'Youth 4 Panun Kashmir,' blocked the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near Jagti camp on Sunday evening. They demanded a separate homeland in the Valley and asked for the passage of a bill in Parliament to recognize their genocide.
Girdhari Lal Raina, former MLC and spokesperson of BJP JK-UT, stated that Abdullah's skepticism about the return of Kashmiri Pandits normalizes a historic crime and dilutes political responsibility. Raina added that Abdullah would be remembered as a modern-day Sikandar Butshikan for presiding over an era in which an ancient minority was systematically targeted and driven out of their homeland.
