Kashmiri Pandits Vying for Political Return in J&K Elections

14 Kashmiri Pandits have filed nominations for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Six candidates are contesting from Srinagar's Habba Kadal constituency. They aim to advocate for the return and rehabilitation of displaced community members, leveraging strong support from the migrant vote bank in the region.

Fourteen Kashmiri Pandits have stepped into the political arena, filing nominations for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. These members of the displaced community aim to ensure the return and rehabilitation of fellow Kashmiri Pandits, whose numbers exceed 3 lakh.

The Habba Kadal assembly constituency in Srinagar has become a focal point, seeing the highest activity with six KP candidates filing nominations. This constituency will go to the polls in the second phase of the elections on September 25, alongside 26 other segments.

Election officials confirmed that five KPs from recognized political parties and two independents are in the race. Party-affiliated candidates include Ashok Kumar Bhat (BJP), Sanjay Saraf (Lok Jan Shakti Party), and Santosh Labroo (All Alliance Democratic Party), while independent runners are Ashok Raina, Panaji Dembi, and Ashok Sahaib. The candidates led by Sanjay Saraf are focused on bridging community gaps and ensuring safe and dignified returns of KPs to the valley.

(With inputs from agencies.)