Nagi Ji,Your recent press conference in Srinagar regarding the displaced Kashmiri Pandits and their return to the Valley requires a strong and accurate response. While your intentions to address the plight of minorities, including Kashmiri Pandits, are appreciated, your statements fail to acknowledge the harsh realities faced by our community.
As someone who claims to represent the National Commission for Minorities, your words must be grounded in facts and sensitivities rather than sweeping generalizations.Madam Nagi, firstly, your assertion that the decision for the return of Kashmiri Pandits rests solely on their “choice” is not only dismissive but also ignorant of the ground realities.
The forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits was not a matter of choice—it was a result of targeted ethnic cleansing, terrorism, and communal fanaticism that left us homeless, exiled, and traumatized. For over 35 years, we have lived in exile, deprived of our homeland, cultural roots, and identity. Expecting us to return without addressing the systemic threats, lack of accountability, and absence of justice is both unrealistic and unfair.Your claim that “there is no negative attitude among the people of Kashmir towards the migrants” is far removed from reality.Has the atmosphere of hate propaganda, the glorification of terrorists, and the vilification of Pandits in certain sections of society been dismantled? Have those who openly issued threats to our community in 1990 been brought to justice? Peace cannot merely be about the reduction of killings; it must be about justice, reconciliation, and restoring trust.Moreover, to suggest that “what has happened should be forgotten” is an insult to the sacrifices and sufferings of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Forgetting the past without justice, accountability, and assurance of non-recurrence is a recipe for history repeating itself. If the horrific events of 1990 are to be forgotten, then why remember Partition? Why remember the Holocaust? History cannot be erased for the sake of convenience—
it must be remembered to ensure lessons are learned.While India’s progress in infrastructure and economic development is commendable, it does not erase the neglect faced by displaced Kashmiri Pandits. Have any real steps been taken to ensure a dignified return for our community? Are there secure, well-built settlements with robust safety mechanisms for returning Pandits?
Has the local mindset towards our community truly evolved? Without addressing these core issues, your suggestion that we “should return” is hollow rhetoric.Your statement that violence in Kashmir has affected all communities—Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians—is an attempt to dilute the targeted genocide of Kashmiri Pandits. While violence is condemnable in all forms, equating the systematic ethnic cleansing of Pandits with the general unrest in Kashmir undermines the unique tragedy our community has endured.
Madam Nagi, as a representative of the National Commission for Minorities, it is your responsibility to advocate for the rights, safety, and justice of all minorities. I urge you to:Recognize the targeted nature of the genocide faced by Kashmiri Pandits and advocate for its official acknowledgment.Push for the establishment of a dedicated tribunal to bring the perpetrators of the 1990 exodus to justice
.Demand a comprehensive rehabilitation policy ( one place settlement) that ensures the safety, dignity, and economic stability of returning Pandits.Ensure a socio-political environment in the Valley that fosters trust, inclusivity, and harmony.Your role is to represent the interests of minorities, not to dismiss their concerns or gloss over their tragedies with superficial optimism. I hope you will reevaluate your stance and take a more responsible approach to the Kashmiri Pandit issue.
The displaced Kashmiri Pandit community will not settle for half-measures or token gestures. Our return to the Valley must be based on justice, security, dignity and on our choice—not on empty assurance.iMadam, I sincerely hope for a prompt and thoughtful response to the concerns raised in this letter. I trust that as a representative of the National Commission for Minorities, you will address these pressing issues with the seriousness and sensitivity they demand.”
[Kundan Kashmiri]Kashmir Watcher | Freelance Writer, President, Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) and Senior leader of Kashmir Pandit community.—Mobile No 8702167955 —Email —kundankashmiri@gnail.com