Ensuring a Complete Kashmir The Imperative of Kashmiri Pandit Inclusion

Valley politicians have, unfortunately, maintained a close association with extremist groups and terrorists, turning a blind eye to the plight of non-Muslims, especially Kashmiri Pandits. In 1990, the Pandit community was subjected to targeted killings, harassment, and persecution solely based on their faith Consequently, they were forced to flee their homes. Regrettably, instead of acknowledging this reality, certain sections of Indian secularists have chosen to deflect blame onto security forces and the central government, inadvertently aiding the perpetrators of terrorism rather than their victims.

To consolidate their Muslim vote-bank, some politicians in the valley shamelessly indulge in the politics of communalism, fostering hatred and dissatisfaction among Muslims towards Hindus and non-Muslim. This divisive rhetoric is propagated through Muslim religious preachers, madrasas, Jamat-e-Islami, Islamic seminaries, mosques, and other facets of the Islamic ecosystem that reject the Indian constitutional and legal framework advocating for Islamic governance in Jammu and Kashmir This extremist mind- set lies at the root of the persecution faced by Hindus in the valley, particularly when they assert their rightful claims to property or express a desire to return to their ancestral homes Consequently, Kashmiri Pandits have been kept outside of Kashmir, yearning for a resolution.

It is essential for the Government of India, including the present BJP administration, to fully comprehend this threat and learn from past mistakes. The government must not overlook the genuine demand of Kashmiri Pandits for a safe, secure, and dignified return to the valley. Moreover, it should design a comprehensive plan for their rehabilitation, taking into account the historical context and ensuring that it goes beyond mere rhetoric.

It is disconcerting that the government has sometimes overlooked the concerns of the Kashmiri Pandit community. By compelling them to participate in elections and vote for candidates from areas they left behind three decades ago, the government disregards their aspirations. It is imperative for the Honourable Home Minister to listen to the logical and factual concerns of Kashmiri Pandits, working towards a practical and inclusive plan for their return and rehabilitation.

Creating a conducive environment for the safe return of Kashmiri Pandits should be a priority. This necessitates efforts to foster dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation among all communities in Kashmir Trust-building measures and promoting an atmosphere of inclusivity and tolerance are crucial for the successful reintegration of Kashmiri Pandits into the valley. By engaging with community leaders, civil society organisations, and regional political representatives, the government can develop a comprehensive roadmap that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders involved.

It is through persistent advocacy, raising awareness, and productive engagement with relevant authorities that we can ensure a complete and inclusive Kashmir, one that truly embraces the presence of Kashmiri Pandits. Let us work together to transform the ideal of "Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits" into a tangible reality.

"Life is not a problem to be solved 

but a reality to be experienced."

-Soren Kierkegaard

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world: the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man."George Bernard Shaw, Man and Superman.

Since the forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the region, it has become customary for Kashmiri Muslim politicians, civil society activists, intellectuals, and the general public to pay lip service to the notion that "Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits." However, this sentiment often remains confined to mere words without translating into meaningful action in the valley. It is disheartening that the discrimination and marginalisation faced by non-Muslim minorities, particularly Kashmiri Pandits, in the Muslim-majority region seldom receive the same attention as perceived threats to secularism and minority rights elsewhere in India.

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Courtesy:- Maharaj Shah and Koshur Samachar 2023, July