On January 19, 2025, the world witnesses the solemn observance of the 35th Kashmiri Hindu exodus day, commemorated by the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities faced by the indigenous people of Kashmir during the brutal period of 1989-1990. The genocide and forced exodus left an indelible scar on the community, marking January 19, 1990, as one of the darkest chapters in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the emergence of organized fundamentalist and militant forces, backed by Pakistan, in the Kashmir Valley. These forces unleashed a campaign of terror aimed at the Hindu minority, the Kashmiri Pandits. Chilling slogans such as “Raliv, Galiv, Chaliv” (convert to Islam, flee, or perish) were blared from mosques, spreading fear and panic. The use of loudspeakers to issue threats and the mobilization of masses in anti-Pandit demonstrations created an atmosphere of unrelenting hostility.
The night of January 19, 1990, remains etched in memory for its unparalleled horror. Women of the community faced appalling abuses, while families feared for their lives and dignity. Left with no choice, the Pandits undertook a mass exodus from their ancestral homeland, leaving behind their homes, heritage, and centuries-old cultural roots.
Observing Exodus Day
Each year, Kashmiri Pandits across the globe observe Kashmiri Hindu Exodus Day with unwavering commitment. From cities across India to international communities, various programs are organized, including: Seminars and Webinars: Highlighting the historical, social, and political aspects of the exodus. Panel Discussions and Debates: Engaging intellectuals, historians, and community leaders to discuss the unresolved issues of the displaced population. Sit-In Protests and Dharna: Raising awareness about the plight of the Pandits and demanding justice. Havans and Prayer Meetings: Offering homage to those who lost their lives during the genocide and praying for peace and resolution.
Despite numerous promises by successive governments, the Kashmiri Pandit community continues to face neglect. Here, we delve into five major unfulfilled commitments:
1. Official Recognition of Genocide
The most pressing demand of the community has been the official recognition of the atrocities as genocide. Although the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) acknowledged these acts as “akin to genocide” in 1999, subsequent governments have failed to take this acknowledgment forward. Recognizing the genocide would not only bring justice but also hold Pakistan accountable as the orchestrator of these crimes.
2. Representation in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly
After relentless advocacy, the Delimitation Commission recommended the nomination of two displaced community members to the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly in December 2023. However, as of January 2025, these nominations remain unfulfilled, leaving the Pandits without any political representation. This neglect starkly contrasts with the precedent set in the Pondicherry Assembly, where such nominations have been upheld by the Supreme Court.
3. Enhancement of Monthly Relief for Displaced Families
For over eight years, relief-holding families have been fighting for an increase in their meager monthly assistance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise during his visit to Jammu to address this issue remains unfulfilled, further deepening the despair among the already struggling community.
4. Failed Employment Packages
Introduced in 2008, the employment package for displaced youth was intended to facilitate their phased rehabilitation in Kashmir. However, the package has been criticized for its inefficiency and exploitative conditions, likened to bonded labor. Rather than empowering the youth, it has added to their woes.
5. Resettlement and the Margdarshan Resolution of 1991
The Margdarshan Resolution of 1991 laid out the community’s demand for resettlement in a protected, self-governed region within Kashmir. While some related demands, such as the abrogation of Article 370, were met in 2019, the core issue of safe and dignified resettlement remains unaddressed. The fear of terrorism and the volatile socio-political environment in Kashmir continue to deter the government from taking bold steps.
The Kashmiri Pandit community’s deep sense of abandonment stems from years of unmet promises and apathy. Despite being staunch nationalists, their contributions and sacrifices have often been overlooked. The dispersal of the community across the country has diluted their collective voice, leaving them feeling isolated and marginalized.
The Modi government, perceived as a harbinger of transformative change, is seen as a beacon of hope by the Pandit community. With its bold decisions in the past, such as the abrogation of Article 370, there is an expectation that it will address the long-standing issues of the displaced Pandits. Recognizing the genocide, ensuring political representation, enhancing relief measures, and initiating a comprehensive resettlement plan are critical steps that the government must prioritize.
As we observe the 35th Kashmiri Hindu Exodus Day, it is imperative to reflect on the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits and renew our commitment to justice and reconciliation. The saga of broken promises must end, and the community’s right to return to their homeland must be upheld. The global community, along with the Indian government, must work together to restore the dignity and rights of this resilient community.