Former J&K Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) attended the ceremony of the Pandit sacred thread investiture in south Kashmir in a bid to forge fresh bonds between the two communities, which saw a fracture after Pandits left the Kashmir valley in the 1990s.

Ms. Mufti attended the Mekhal ceremony (sacred thread investiture) of R.K. Bhat’s children at their ancestral village, Omooh, Verinag. “Witnessing this sacred tradition being observed once again on the soil of their forefathers filled my heart with hope and happiness. May this be the beginning of many more such occasions,” said Ms. Mufti.

Ms. Mufti’s move to attend the ceremony has come at a time when many displaced Pandits groups are mulling to return to Kashmir in the wake of the improvement in security scenario and a dip in militant recruitment. 

“No amount of hate or attempts to divide us can succeed. Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims are bound by a shared history, culture, and destiny. We are one, and we will remain one,” said Ms. Mufti.

She said it’s the two communities that are investing in mending the relationship rather than the government. “I think there is less of a role for the government and more of our Muslim and Pandit brothers together. We are one, we are not different. I request our Kashmiri Pandit brethren not to look at the past, but look towards the future,” said Ms. Mufti.

Meanwhile, a former Hurriyat leader Syed Salim Gilani on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) attended an initiative to promote interfaith harmony in J&K. Titled as “Heart to Heart, Dil Se Dil Tak Conference”, it was organised by J&K United People’s Alliance (JKUPA). It discussed “the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits”.

“Both the communities have suffered. It is time to move forward, rebuild trust, strengthen communal harmony, and work collectively for the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Muzzafar Shah, who heads the J&K Awami National Conference.

Dr. Manorama Bakshi, who attended the initiative, said, “This is a unique conference as all stakeholders were present. All voices were heard. It focussed on trust and not indulging in the blame game. We discussed what can be done so that history is not repeated.”

She said Kashmiri Pandits return needs a proper roadmap, rehabilitation and trust-building. “Change is visible, but restoring the plural spirit of Kashmir will take time, collective effort and sustained commitment,” she added.