| News Details |
| Political Resolution and Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits | | Must Remain the Central Focus: Panun Kashmir |
Jammu, June 19 (Scoop News)-Panun Kashmir today convened a meeting of its Political Affairs Committee to deliberate upon the recent political developments affecting the Kashmiri Pandit community and to review the status of various issues concerning the displaced community. The meeting was chaired by the President of Panun Kashmir, Shri Virender Raina, and was attended by Shri Kamal Bagati, General Secretary; Shri Ashok Chrungoo; Youth Convenor Shri Sameer Bhat; and senior Kashmiri Pandit leader Shri Ashwani Chrungoo, among other members.
Addressing the meeting, Shri Virender Raina stated that the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits is an issue of profound political significance and cannot be reduced merely to an administrative or welfare matter. He observed that while administrative interventions can address livelihood, employment and economic concerns of the displaced community, the larger issue of rehabilitation and dignified return requires a comprehensive political framework.
He emphasized that economic and livelihood issues confronting the displaced community deserve urgent attention and should be addressed on a war footing to alleviate the hardships endured by the internally displaced Kashmiri Pandits for over three decades.
Shri Raina further asserted that the Kashmiri Pandit issue cannot be viewed through a narrow electoral prism. The community occupies a unique and foundational position in the civilizational history of Kashmir. He described the Kashmiri Pandits as the aboriginal and indigenous people of Kashmir whose rights find recognition in various international covenants concerning indigenous populations and displaced peoples.
Referring to the tragic events of 1989-90, Shri Raina reiterated the demand for formal recognition of the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits and called for the identification, prosecution and punishment of those responsible under the law. He remarked that history must answer how a peaceful and law-abiding community, rooted in Kashmir for thousands of years, was selectively targeted on religious grounds and forced into exile from its ancestral homeland.
The meeting observed that Kashmiri Pandits continue to possess extensive landed properties, homes and other assets in Kashmir, many of which have been damaged, encroached upon or destroyed during the years of displacement. In such circumstances, expecting the community to independently invest substantial resources for rehabilitation is unrealistic. Shri Raina maintained that it is the responsibility of the Government to create a secure and enabling ecosystem that inspires confidence among displaced Kashmiri Pandits and facilitates their sustainable return and rehabilitation.
Reaffirming the ideological position of Panun Kashmir, Shri Raina stated that the framework for the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits lies in the Margdarshan Resolution and the demand for a Homeland in Kashmir. He said that this remains the only credible and durable mechanism capable of ensuring the security, dignity and political empowerment of the community while preventing any possibility of future displacement or refoulement.
Speaking on the occasion, General Secretary Shri Kamal Bagati expressed serious concern over what he described as the continued indifference of the Government towards the economic and humanitarian issues affecting displaced Kashmiri Pandits. He pointed out that there has been no meaningful enhancement in relief assistance for nearly a decade despite rising inflation and escalating living costs.
Shri Bagati also criticized measures such as NAFSA, stating that such initiatives have further aggravated the anxieties and hardships of relief holders. He highlighted the persistent drinking water crisis in Jagti Township and noted that despite repeated representations, residents continue to suffer due to inadequate water supply and poor civic infrastructure. He urged the authorities to address these issues on a priority basis.
Special guest Shri Ashwani Chrungoo, who attended the meeting from New Delhi, recalled the sustained efforts made by Panun Kashmir before the Delimitation Commission for securing political representation for the displaced community. He stated that Panun Kashmir played a leading role in advocating for the reservation of seats for Kashmiri Pandits in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and submitted detailed representations before the Commission.
He expressed satisfaction that the demand resulted in the reservation of two Assembly seats for the community. However, he noted with concern that despite the passage of nearly two years since the constitutional provisions came into effect, the nomination process for these seats remains pending. He urged the Government and the concerned constitutional authorities to complete the nomination process without any further delay so that the voice of the displaced community finds representation in the democratic institutions of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the deliberations, members unanimously observed that the concerns of Kashmiri Pandits require sustained political engagement and a policy framework rooted in justice, security and restitution. They reiterated that symbolic measures and piecemeal interventions cannot substitute for a comprehensive political solution that addresses the historical wrongs suffered by the community.
In his concluding remarks, Shri Virender Raina thanked the participants for their valuable contributions and reaffirmed Panun Kashmir's commitment to pursuing the cause of the displaced community at all political, constitutional and legal forums. He stated that the organization would continue to strive for the recognition of the genocide, restitution of rights, dignified rehabilitation and the realization of the Homeland vision as envisaged in the Margdarshan Resolution.
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