Srinagar, June 14, 2026 – Former Director General of Police (DGP) R.R. Swain has made an emotional appeal to the Kashmiri Pandit community to return to their roots in the Valley, asserting that Kashmir has undergone a significant transformation and that both Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits are looking towards a shared future.
Addressing members of the Kashmiri Pandit community during an interaction in Srinagar, Swain said that the atmosphere in Kashmir has changed considerably over the years and that there is now renewed hope for rebuilding the bonds that once defined the Valley’s social fabric. He urged displaced Kashmiri Pandits to reconnect with their homeland and participate in the region’s ongoing journey towards peace and development.
Swain emphasized that the return of Kashmiri Pandits is essential for strengthening communal harmony, preserving Kashmir’s pluralistic culture, and reinforcing the spirit of coexistence that has historically characterized the region. He noted that both communities desire the return of Pandits and are looking forward to a new chapter of reconciliation and mutual trust.
The former police chief highlighted the positive changes witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years, including improved security conditions, growing economic opportunities, and increased public participation in developmental initiatives. According to him, these developments have created a more conducive environment for the return and rehabilitation of displaced families.
The issue of the return of Kashmiri Pandits continues to remain an important social and political subject in Jammu and Kashmir. Successive governments and community organizations have stressed the need for creating conditions that ensure the safe, dignified, and sustainable return of the displaced community. Recent discussions by government authorities have also focused on rehabilitation measures and initiatives aimed at facilitating their return to the Valley.
Swain’s appeal comes at a time when efforts are being renewed to encourage greater engagement between communities and promote lasting peace in the region. His message underscored the belief that the return of Kashmiri Pandits would not only help restore Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage but also strengthen the foundations of unity and inclusiveness in Jammu and Kashmir.
