From the Presidents Desk

 

Respected Biradari Members

Namaskar

India, with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions, is a land of diverse seasons and festivals. These celebrations not only highlight the joy of life but also reflect our ancient customs, which are deeply rooted in our religious and cultural values. Our connection to these festivals, such a Maha Shivaratri, which represents our long-standing Shaiv philosophical beliefs, and the colourful festival of Holi, is a testament to our resilience and devotion. With the arrival of Navratri in April, we continue to observe these celebrations with great zeal, no matter where we are located Though we may live far from our ancestral land, our commitment to preserving and celebrating our heritage has remained unwavering. This is a result of our collective determination, even in the face of religious persecution and the painful exodus from our homeland. Please accept my heartiest Greeting, Good Wishes and my gratitude for all the festivals we observed with collective zeal in the 36 year of Exile. However, I am deeply concerned by the ongoing neglect and apathy shown by the government, including the current BJP administration, towards the hardships faced by our community. It is disheartening to see that, despite our continuous efforts to bring these issues to light, the government remains indifferent to the daily struggles that we endure. Furthermore, the authorities have yet to fully recognize our community's plight, with inconsistent data and convoluted procedures for verifying our existence. A glaring example of this neglect is the delay in the disbursement of cash assistance for Delhi Relief holders. Despite our numerous appeals to both the MOS Home and Delhi's Chief Minister, the financial aid has been withheld since April 2024, leaving nearly 1,800 families without support This is just one instance of a broader issue that demands immediate attention. Adding to our concerns, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner has begun a cumbersome process, requiring all migrants to fill out forms for the National Food Security Act (NFSA). We respectfully urge both the Central Government and the Jammu & Kashmir UT administration to recognize that Kashmiri Pandits are victims of Islamic terrorism and that our status as migrants, as well as the hardships we face, should not be treated under the same provisions as those for economically and socially marginalized people. The deprivation faced by Kashmiri Pandits is not a result of economic disadvantage, but of systemic persecution-violence, forced displacement, killings, and the illegal appropriation of our property. The government cannot afford to ignore these historical and ongoing realities by placing us in the same category as the economically deprived. We are the victims of one of the most brutal genocides in modern history. Therefore, we demand that our status and needs be addressed with the dignity and seriousness they deserve We also request immediate action on several critical issues: 1. Ayushman Bharat Scheme: The portability of Ayushman should be made operational across India without delay, ensuring that all Kashmiri Pandit migrants can access healthcare services wherever they reside. 2. Streamlining of Administrative Processes: The paperwork for our community should be simplified and made fully online, with OTP verification linked to Aadhar, to avoid bureaucratic delays. 3. Priority in Government Schemes: Migrants who are victims of terrorism should be given priority in all relief and rehabilitation schemes. 4. Return and Rehabilitation: The government must act decisively on the rehabilitation and return of Kashmiri Pandits, in line with the Mardarshan Resolution, which has already been submitted. The government should make a clear, immediate commitment to resolve these issues and restore dignity to our community. We call upon the government to abandon its avoidance tactics and take swift, meaningful steps to address the real issues facing Kashmiri Pandit migrants. Our collective future depends on the recognition of our unique struggles and the swift implementation of measures that will ease the pain and suffering that has endured for far too long. Thank you for your attention and support.

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The views expressed in the Article above are Summer Chrungoo  views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."

Courtesy: Summer Chrungoo and Koshur Samachar-2025 , April