National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday (January 19, 2026) said that displaced Kashmiri Pandits are always welcome to return to their homes, emphasising their rightful place in the Valley. Many Kashmiri Pandits are currently living in the Valley and have not left their villages," the former chief minister responded when asked about protests by Kashmiri Pandits supporting their demand for return and rehabilitation in the Valley. When asked about the demands of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, Abdullah remarked that he had assured them that the government would construct houses for them and provide the necessary support. He noted that the community would first need to assess the situation, as many Kashmiri Pandits are now settled across different parts of the country. They may visit, but I don't think they will return to live there permanently," he said.

Source: The Hindu January 19, 2026 21:15 UTC