Jammu, March 30 – Marking the occasion of Navreh, a traditional New Year festival celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday reassured the community of the Central Government’s commitment to their dignified return to the Kashmir Valley. The assurance came during the Navreh Samaroh event organized by the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha at Amphalla in Jammu.
Addressing the gathering, LG Sinha stated that the return of the displaced community remains a priority for both the Central and Union Territory administrations. He underlined ongoing efforts to build a conducive environment in the Valley, asserting that all obstacles to their return will be removed in a phased and structured manner.
“The government is committed to ensuring the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley. The Centre is actively working towards this goal, and steps are being taken to create a secure and welcoming atmosphere for their return,” said Sinha, reiterating the policy direction.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, former DGP Kuldeep Khoda, and President of Kashmiri Pandit Sabha K.K. Khosa, along with senior officials and notable members of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Equal Opportunities for Women Emphasised During Navratri
As part of his address, the Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the importance of gender equality, especially during the ongoing Navratri festival. He called upon the youth to dedicate the nine days of Navratri to celebrating women’s empowerment under the theme of ‘Nari Shakti Utsav’, and emphasized the need for equal opportunities for daughters across all spheres of life.
“We should resolve to ensure that our daughters receive the same opportunities as our sons. Let Navratri be an occasion to rededicate ourselves to this goal,” Sinha added.
Acknowledging Cultural Heritage and Contribution of Kashmiri Pandits
The Lieutenant Governor paid homage to the enduring spiritual and cultural legacy of the Kashmiri Pandit community, acknowledging its deep-rooted presence and influence in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. He commended their contribution to the Union Territory’s growth, particularly in the fields of education, culture, and nation-building.
“Kashmir has always been a centre of spiritual energy, and the Kashmiri Pandit community has carried that legacy for millennia. Today, we remember and honour the contributions of those great individuals from the community who left a lasting impact on our society,” he said.
Sinha further appreciated the ongoing efforts of the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha and other community organizations in preserving their cultural identity and spiritual traditions. He said their work towards mentoring the younger generation is critical in ensuring that the community’s cultural heritage remains intact despite decades of displacement.
Assurances to PM Package Employees
The Lieutenant Governor also addressed concerns raised by employees under the Prime Minister’s Package, many of whom belong to the Kashmiri Pandit community. These employees have frequently sought parity with their counterparts in the Jammu and Kashmir government on various service-related matters.
“We are taking steps to ensure that PM Package employees receive all benefits that are extended to other government employees. Their well-being remains a key concern for the administration,” assured Sinha.
Strengthening Social Harmony and Emotional Integration
Emphasizing the significance of Navreh and Navratri as symbols of unity in diversity, LG Sinha called upon all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to foster mutual respect and harmony, cutting across ethnic and religious lines. He stressed that festivals like Navreh serve as reminders of the shared cultural fabric of the region.
“Let us take a pledge to further strengthen this unity, and work collectively for the welfare and progress of Jammu and Kashmir,” he urged the audience.
The Lieutenant Governor’s message resonated with the audience, many of whom have long sought a clear roadmap for safe resettlement in the Valley. While expressing optimism about the assurance, they also reiterated the need for sustained political will and administrative execution to turn the promise of return into a lived reality.
Community Seeks Tangible Measures Beyond Symbolism
While the sentiments expressed during the Navreh event were appreciated, sections of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community have often raised concerns about delayed implementation of policies, citing lack of progress on ground despite repeated assurances.
Many point to stalled housing projects under the PM Package, security concerns in the Valley, and the absence of robust confidence-building measures as deterrents to returning. Critics argue that while symbolic events and statements are important for morale, they must be backed by concrete administrative decisions and sustained political engagement.
The displaced community, currently spread across various parts of India, particularly in Jammu, Delhi, and other metropolitan cities, has consistently advocated for comprehensive rehabilitation packages that go beyond housing and employment. These include restoration of religious sites, security guarantees, political representation, and opportunities for community-led resettlement planning.
Administrative Preparedness and Ground Realities
Officials privy to the rehabilitation process claim that a multi-agency framework is being developed to address these concerns. However, they admit that security dynamics in parts of the Valley continue to pose challenges. While the situation has improved in urban pockets like Srinagar, certain rural belts remain vulnerable to sporadic violence, affecting the confidence of displaced families.
Moreover, bureaucratic hurdles and land acquisition delays have slowed down the pace of construction for new housing colonies under the PM Package. Though tenders have been floated and some work initiated, project completion deadlines have repeatedly slipped, leaving many families in limbo.
The Centre, in tandem with the Jammu and Kashmir administration, is reportedly working on revising the return and rehabilitation policy to make it more attuned to current realities and expectations.
Cultural Revitalisation as a Parallel Approach
Several Kashmiri Pandit organisations, meanwhile, are focusing on cultural revival as a means of reclaiming identity. Events like Navreh Samaroh serve as platforms not only for celebration but also for dialogue, remembrance, and youth engagement. These platforms are helping the younger generation understand their roots, language, rituals, and historical contributions to the broader Kashmiri ethos.
Eminent personalities such as Deepak Dhar, senior vice-president of Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, and cultural scholars in attendance, emphasized the importance of documenting oral histories, archiving scriptures, and reviving traditional practices that risk being lost in diaspora settings.
Political Implications and Broader Public Sentiment
The issue of Kashmiri Pandit rehabilitation continues to be a sensitive topic with political undertones. As elections near, political parties are expected to pitch their respective visions for the return and integration of the community into the Valley’s social fabric. However, analysts caution that the process should remain apolitical and focused on long-term stability, rather than short-term electoral gains.
Public sentiment in the Valley itself is a complex mosaic, with sections of the local population supporting the return of Pandits and advocating for peaceful coexistence, while others remain wary due to the region’s volatile political history.
The return of the Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland is not merely a question of policy but of restorative justice and social healing. The statements made by LG Manoj Sinha reaffirm a direction the government seeks to move in, but the journey from commitment to implementation remains a challenging one.
As the Kashmiri Pandit community observes Navreh—a festival of renewal and hope—they do so with cautious optimism. Their return to the Valley hinges on more than promises; it demands sustained governance, meaningful dialogue, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and safety from all stakeholders involved.
