GENOCIDE OF KPS IN 1990 STILL FRESH AFTER 35 YEARS

 

The genocide of Kashmiri Hindus in the Kashmir Valley in 1990 was a brutal and systematic ethnic cleansing carried out by Islamic jihadists, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Kashmiri Pandits from their ancestral homeland. This tragic event was sparked by a series of violent attacks, murders, and threats against the Kashmiri Hindu community, forcing them to flee the valley in large numbers. In the late 1980s, Kashmiri Pandits, a minority Hindu community, faced increasing persecution and violence at the hands of Islamic extremist groups, including the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and Hizb-uld-Mujahideen. These groups, backed by Pakistan, sought to establish an independent Islamic state in Kashmir, and Kashmiri Pandits were seen as an obstacle to this goal. On January 19, 1990, mosques in the Kashmir Valley broadcast inflammatory and threatening messages, including the infamous slogan “Raliv, Galiv, ya Chaliv” (“Convert, Die, or Leave”). This marked the beginning of a massive exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from the valley. Over 350,000 people were forced to flee their homes, leaving behind their belongings, livelihoods, and ancestral heritage. The violence against Kashmiri Hindus was brutal and widespread. Many were killed, raped, or tortured, and their homes were looted and destroyed. The murder of Satish Kumar Tikku, a young Kashmiri Pandit, by a group led by Farooq Ahmed Dar (alias Bitta Karate) on February 2, 1990; the killing of Doordarshan director Lassa Kaul on February 13, 1990; the massacre of Air Force personnel at the Rawalpura bus stand on January 25, 1990; advocate Tikka Lal Taploo was shot at point blank in front of his house are a few notable killings in broad day light. The Kashmiri Hindus who fled the valley were forced to live in refugee camps, often in squalid conditions. Many elders succumbed to the harsh conditions, while children grew up in an atmosphere of trauma and deprivation. Despite the passage of time, the community still remains displaced, and their return to their homeland is still uncertain. Today, only a few hundred Hindus remain in the Kashmir Valley, and the community continues to face threats and intimidation. The Indian government has taken steps to address the issue, but more needs to be done to ensure the safe return of Kashmiri Hindus to their homeland. It is essential to acknowledge the suffering of the Kashmiri Hindu community and work towards justice, rehabilitation, and reconciliation. The government and civil society must take concrete steps to create a safe and secure environment for the community to return to their homeland and rebuild their lives. Only a multi-faceted approach is needed. There are Security Concerns too which come in the way of return of KPs. Continued military presence and sporadic violence create an unsafe environment for them to return. Lack of Trust is another major hurdle coupled with Political instability and lack of trust in peace processes deters resettlement. Infrastructure and Basic Amenities have to be put in place. The way forward to achieve this should be immediate and sustained efforts to ensure the return and rehabilitation of exiled Kashmiri Hindus. Encouraging dialogue between different stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir, including KPs and excluding Pakistan could help in creating a conducive environment for the return of Pandits. Engaging with local communities and involving them in the rehabilitation process could help build trust and ensure the successful reintegration of Kashmiri Pandits. However, to make it a successful exercise, unity among Kashmiri Pandits too is indeed which today seems to be a matter of concern, given their scattered state and perceived lack of leadership. The community has faced significant challenges since the 1990 exodus, including displacement and disillusionment. Kashmiri Hindus are scattered across various parts of India, making it difficult to maintain a unified voice and presence. The community does not have adequate representation in the government or media, which further dilutes their collective voice and influence. The Kashmir conflict is often framed as a Muslim-centric issue, potentially overshadowing the specific experiences and challenges faced by Kashmiri Hindus . A unified front is proposed to demand time-bound unified stance on key issues. The Indian government’s perceived neglect of Kashmiri Hindus’ plight for 35 years, while focusing on Kashmir’s Muslim population and infrastructure. The government’s primary focus has been on maintaining law and order in the region, often prioritizing security concerns over addressing the specific needs and grievances of Kashmiri Hindus. However, these initiatives are seen as insufficient or ineffective in addressing the community’s deeper concerns and aspirations. The Kashmir conflict is a complex, multifaceted issue with deep historical, cultural, and political roots. Addressing the plight of Kashmiri Hindus requires a nuanced understanding of these complexities and a willingness to engage with the community’s specific needs and concerns. That is why most of the community members feel that the viable and practical solution for return will be a separate homeland carved out of J&K state where the exiled community members will be rehabilitated in their home land.

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Courtesy: R K Mattoo and  Spade A Spade,2025