SRINAGAR: Rouble Nagi, an artist and social worker in Mumbai, has found herself at the centre of a controversy following her remarks about the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. Recently appointed as a member of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on January 21, 2025, Nagi has been a vocal supporter of development in Jammu and Kashmir, frequently visiting the region and advocating for its progress post-2019. Her comments, however, have drawn sharp reactions from activists, political leaders, and members of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Following her appointment, Nagi met Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and subsequently visited north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, where she interacted with several minority groups, including Kashmiri Pandits, Sikhs, and Christians. Her engagements culminated in a press interaction in Srinagar, where she made controversial remarks suggesting that the Kashmiri Pandits should decide whether to return, asserting that there was “no negative attitude” towards them among residents. She highlighted the improved security situation in the Valley, citing reduced violence and urging communities to support peace initiatives.
Nagi emphasised the need for unity, stating that individuals should see themselves as Indians first and work collectively for a better future. She underscored the importance of fostering understanding between communities and acknowledged the contributions of minorities to the nation. However, her assertion that Kashmiri Pandits faced no hostility in the Valley drew fierce criticism from various quarters.
“Few steps have been taken for their return. Now they have to choose whether they want to come here or not,” Nagi told reporters.
Activists representing the displaced Pandit community expressed outrage, accusing her of being dismissive of their decades-long suffering. Sunil Kaul, a prominent activist, pointed to the continued insecurity and cited recent killings of Kashmiri Pandits, such as Makhan Lal Bindroo and Rahul Bhatt, as evidence of the ongoing challenges. He criticised her for ignoring the historical trauma and the lack of concrete rehabilitation plans for the community. Another activist, Sanjay Sapru, questioned how the Pandits could return to a Valley where their ancestral homes had been destroyed or sold under duress, calling her statements hollow and uninformed. He urged the NCM member to educate herself about the community’s plight before making such remarks.
The backlash extended to political leaders, with BJP’s GL Raina accusing Nagi of lacking understanding of the complexities faced by Kashmiri Pandits and questioning her grasp of minority issues in the region. He argued that her statements risked undermining the credibility of the NCM. Similarly, Mudasir Karim of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference criticised her for making statements without adequate context or authority, calling for the Ministry of Minority Affairs to send representatives who better understand the nuances of the situation.
Nagi, a Mumbai-based artist originally from Jammu, founded the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation. She has worked extensively with underprivileged communities, particularly in slums in Mumbai and Hyderabad, where her initiatives have focused on education, women’s empowerment, and hygiene. Misaal Mumbai’s project garnered attention for painting slum dwellings in vibrant colours to create visual positivity and foster a sense of community pride. She is also the author of Slum Queen, a book documenting her experiences working in these areas.
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Despite the criticism, Nagi remains steadfast in her advocacy for development in Jammu and Kashmir. She highlighted the progress in infrastructure, connectivity, and tourism in the region over the past decade and called for collective responsibility in addressing the challenges faced by minority communities. She pledged to bridge the gaps in government schemes and ensure their effective implementation, particularly for the upliftment of minorities.
As a mother of two and a vocal advocate for peace and progress, Nagi’s work has been widely recognised. However, her recent remarks have sparked a significant debate about the sensitive issue of the return of Kashmiri Pandits, exposing the deep divides that remain unresolved in the Valley. Pandits have demanded the removal of her nomination to the top minority body.
