Srinagar, June 24: The JK United People’s Alliance (UPA) organized the ‘Heart to Heart – Dil Se Dil Tak’ conference at the historic Amar Singh Club, Srinagar, bringing together a diverse gathering of civil society members, religious leaders, intellectuals, social activists, youth representatives, academicians, former civil servants, legal experts, business leaders, and community representatives to promote dialogue, reconciliation, and collective understanding across Jammu and Kashmir.
Nearly one hundred distinguished delegates representing different regions, faiths, and social backgrounds participated in the conference. Prominent members of the Kashmiri Pandit community from Kashmir, Jammu, and Delhi joined Sikh leaders, Christian activists, Muslim scholars, social workers, peace advocates, and representatives of various cultural and civil society organizations, making the event a truly inclusive platform dedicated to strengthening social harmony and mutual trust.
Participants collectively reaffirmed Jammu and Kashmir’s centuries-old ethos of coexistence, pluralism, and mutual respect, emphasizing that sustainable peace and prosperity can emerge only through dialogue, empathy, reconciliation, and collective civic engagement.
Syed Salim Geelani empathises the need for dialogue and reconciliation
Addressing the gathering, Syed Salim Geelani emphasized that initiatives such as “Heart to Heart – Dil Se Dil Tak” are vital for bridging differences and bringing communities closer together. He stressed that dialogue, reconciliation, and mutual understanding remain the most effective instruments for building a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir. He called upon all sections of society to strengthen the bonds of trust and understanding that form the foundation of lasting peace.
Ashok Bhan empathises truth, reconciliation and return of Kashmiri Pandits
Senior Advocate and jurist Ashok Bhan highlighted the importance of establishing a time-bound and impartial Truth and Reconciliation Commission to examine human rights violations committed by both state and non-state actors since the 1980s. He observed that such a process would help heal deep societal wounds and contribute towards restoring trust among communities.
Bhan empathised with the immense intergenerational trauma suffered by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the forced migration of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989-90 and the heavy price paid by all sections of Kashmiri society during decades of violence and turmoil. He emphasized that achieving closure and addressing the sense of alienation among the younger generation are essential for lasting peace and reconciliation.
He further stated that Kashmir remains incomplete without the physical presence of Kashmiri Pandits in their homeland. According to Bhan, exiled Kashmiri Pandits across the globe continue to long for their return, while the overwhelming goodwill and welcome extended by the majority community provides hope for the future. He urged the Union Government to formulate a time-bound and comprehensive plan for the safe, dignified, and sustainable return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
Muzaffar Shah Empathises Unity, Confidence Building and Regional Cooperation
Senior leader Muzaffar Shah described the conference as a significant civil society initiative aimed at strengthening bonds among the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. He noted that despite the solemn observance of Muharram, people from diverse communities participated enthusiastically, reflecting a collective commitment to coexistence, unity, and social harmony.
Shah observed that the deliberations focused on addressing regional imbalances, overcoming mistrust among communities, strengthening inter-regional understanding, and identifying practical solutions to contemporary social challenges. He emphasized that civil society, democratic institutions, and government agencies must work together to promote reconciliation, confidence-building, and social stability.
Speakers empathise dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits
A major focus of the conference was the safe, dignified, and sustainable return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. Participants observed that the return of Kashmiri Pandits is not merely a political or administrative issue but a humanitarian and civilizational imperative.
Speakers underlined the responsibility of civil society, religious leaders, democratic institutions, and the Muslim majority community in creating an atmosphere of trust, confidence, security, and reconciliation that would facilitate the honorable return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland. They stressed that the revival of Kashmir’s composite culture requires active participation from all communities and sincere efforts to heal the wounds left by decades of conflict.
Participants express concern over drug abuse
The conference also expressed serious concern over the growing menace of drug abuse and narcotics trafficking. Participants called upon parents, teachers, educational institutions, religious scholars, civil society organizations, and government agencies to work collectively toward prevention, awareness, rehabilitation, and community-based interventions to safeguard the younger generation.
UPA unveils vision document for peace and inclusive development
On the occasion, the Alliance unveiled its Vision Document, outlining a comprehensive roadmap centered on peace, reconciliation, unity, inclusive development, social justice, and inter-community cooperation. The document presents the UPA as a political and social platform committed to bringing together people from different regions, faiths, and backgrounds to work towards a shared future founded on harmony, dignity, equality, and progress.
The Vision Document strongly advocates interfaith harmony and religious tolerance while rejecting hatred, discrimination, extremism, and sectarian divisions. It calls for sustained initiatives that promote brotherhood, mutual respect, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among all communities.
Highlighting the importance of regional cooperation, the Alliance emphasized greater interaction, cultural exchanges, and collaboration among the regions of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. It underscored the role of youth, students, and social organizations in preserving social cohesion and shaping a more inclusive future.
The document further advocates educational reforms, economic growth, improved healthcare, enhanced employment opportunities for youth, transparent governance, and greater public participation in developmental initiatives. The Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and empowerment of youth, women, and marginalized sections of society while promoting justice, equality, and inclusive governance.
Resolution for continued dialogue and reconciliation
The conference concluded with a collective resolution to continue fostering dialogue and engagement across communities and regions. Participants called for renewed efforts to strengthen interfaith harmony, bridge regional divides, facilitate the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits, combat social challenges such as drug abuse, and preserve the shared cultural and civilizational heritage that has historically defined Jammu and Kashmir.
Organizers announced that similar grassroots dialogue initiatives would be carried to districts across the Union Territory with active participation from local communities and youth to further strengthen peace, understanding, reconciliation, and inclusive development.
