Tag Archives: Kashmiri Pandit resettlement

State, Community

Over 66% Displaced Kashmiri Pandit families have properties in valley, as per Survey

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The forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from their homeland in 1990 remains one of the most significant and tragic events in contemporary Indian history. This displacement, driven by Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and separatist aspirations, led to the disruption of lives, cultural heritage, and the identity of an entire community. A recent Post-Exodus Cultural Survey conducted by Whetstone International Networking in collaboration with Shree Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU) sheds light on the profound challenges faced by the community over the decades.

In January 1990, Kashmir’s socio-political landscape was dramatically altered. Threats, violence, and the systematic targeting of the Kashmiri Pandit community forced tens of thousands to flee their ancestral homes overnight. This mass exodus not only uprooted individuals but also fragmented a deeply rooted culture. The survey reveals the layers of struggles that followed this displacement and underscores the resilience of the community.

Insights from the Post-Exodus Cultural Survey

Key Findings

The survey, described as an effort to document and understand the long-term impact of the exodus, has unearthed critical statistics and perspectives:

  • Desire for Return: Contrary to widespread belief, a substantial portion of the community harbors aspirations to return to Kashmir. According to the survey, approximately 66.6% of Kashmiri Pandits still own properties in the valley, and 48.6% have steadfastly refused to sell their ancestral homes.
  • Population Concerns: The findings reveal a stark reality regarding the community’s population growth. The survey reports a growth rate of just 1.6%, a figure that raises alarms about the community’s future viability.
  • One Place Settlement: A recurring theme in the survey is the demand for a ‘One Place Settlement’ policy. The Kashmiri Pandit community emphasizes the need for a secure, cohesive settlement plan to facilitate their return.
  • Cultural and Emotional Loss: Beyond physical displacement, the survey highlights the emotional distress and identity crisis experienced by the community. The loss of traditional practices, language, and social structures continues to haunt many.

Rakesh Handu, an activist deeply involved in raising awareness about the plight of Kashmiri Pandits, remarked, “Many of those who are unwilling to sell their homes are struggling with encroachment issues involving the local community and are currently entangled in legal battles to reclaim their ancestral lands from unlawful forces. Many of these houses, unfortunately, have turned into ‘khandars’ (ruins) over the last 35 years.”

Rakesh Handu is currently fighting a case to regain possession of our 33 Kanal land located behind Nishat Bagh, where members of the majority community have illegally constructed houses. These struggles highlight the pressing need for justice and restoration for our displaced community.

Steps Towards Rehabilitation and Revival

Efforts have been made by successive governments to address the challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits. Financial aid, employment packages, and housing schemes are among the initiatives aimed at supporting the community. However, the survey emphasizes the need for a more structured and inclusive approach to rehabilitation.

Dr. Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor of SVSU, highlighted the importance of using the survey’s findings as a roadmap. “The story of the Kashmiri Pandit community stands as a testament to resilience and hope, yet the scars of displacement linger. The results of this survey provide a roadmap for rehabilitation, cultural preservation, and empowerment,” he stated.

The Kashmiri Pandit diaspora has also taken steps to preserve their culture and traditions. Organizations worldwide host cultural events, workshops, and discussions to ensure the younger generation remains connected to their heritage. Online platforms and social media have become vital tools for advocacy and community-building. The survey’s findings suggest that inclusive and practical policies are essential to address the socio-cultural and economic issues faced by the community. Security remains a primary concern, with many families reluctant to return without robust safety measures in place.

The Kashmiri Pandit exodus is not just a regional issue but a significant chapter in global discussions on displacement and minority rights. It underscores the fragile balance between cultural preservation and modernization. As the world grapples with issues of migration and refugees, the plight of Kashmiri Pandits serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.

The forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits is more than a historical event; it is a living narrative of resilience, hope, and the fight for identity. The Post-Exodus Cultural Survey provides a crucial lens to understand the challenges faced by the community and the steps needed to support their aspirations. Addressing their concerns through structured, inclusive, and practical approaches can pave the way for healing and restoration. As India continues to grow as a global power, ensuring justice and dignity for all its communities remains paramount.

Nation, Community

35 Years On: Remembering the Kashmiri Pandit Exodus of 1990

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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.