3,000 KPs returned during Manmohan tenure, says Farooq

Political leaders in J&K have mourned the death of former PM Manmohan Singh.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said it was during Manmohan Singh’s government that the problems of Kashmiri Pandits were resolved in Jammu. “Over 3,000 Kashmiri Pandits returned and their children were provided jobs,” he said.

Abdullah, who worked in his Cabinet, said, “Today, when the country is talking about becoming a trillion-dollar economy, it is because of Singh.”

Former CM Mehbooba Mufti, recalled her interactions with him during the formation of the PDP-Congress alliance in 2002. She said his wisdom and steady hand played a crucial role in shaping the alliance. The PDP president said, “When Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Saab presented a vision for Jammu and Kashmir’s future, Dr Singh understood the gravity of the situation and ordered the formation of five working groups to address the issues.”

“Manmohan Singh’s era is unimaginable in its vision for peace, prosperity and progress. His contributions to India and his values of humility, integrity and inclusivity will continue to inspire generations to come. We mourn the loss of a statesman, a visionary, and above all, a great human being,” Mufti said.

On the other hand, Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said his sincerity towards dialogue on Kashmir and fostering people-to-people contact across borders was evident during their meetings, both during his tenure as PM and before.

“He believed in open borders and lasting peace with neighbours and engaged with us in the Hurriyat with an open mind. A statesman committed to harmony and resolution,” Mirwaiz wrote on X.

Apni Party’s Altaf Bukhari, described Manmohan Singh, as “a visionary economist”.