“A Kashmiri Pandit Perspective on Omar Abdullah’s Remarks: A Reply by KPC”Recent remarks by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah regarding governance in Jammu and Kashmir

(J&K) demand a thorough response from the lens of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, which has endured over three decades of neglect and betrayal. His claims about restoring government-people relations and addressing issues under the Union Territory (UT) framework fall flat when viewed against the persistent

injustices faced by our community.One glaring omission in governance under successive regimes, including Omar Abdullah’s, is the Distress Sale Act for displaced Kashmiri Pandits. This critical law, aimed at preventing the

exploitation of families forced to sell their properties under duress, was never implemented with honesty or intent. Consequently, ancestral properties were looted, encroached upon, or sold for meager sums, leaving countless families

destitute. Why was this issue ignored despite repeated appeals from the community?Equally troubling is the failure to compensate Kashmiri Pandits for the destruction of their homes, properties, and livelihoods.

Thousands of houses were burned, looted, and encroached upon, yet the displaced community continues to await fair and complete compensation. No sincere efforts were made during Omar Abdullah’s tenure—or thereafter—to address these monumental losses.The lack of political will is further evident in the absence of a resolution advocating the one-place settlement of displaced Kashmiri

Pandits. A dignified, secure, and consolidated resettlement within the Valley should have been prioritized by any government truly committed to justice. However, no such resolution was passed or presented to the Lieutenant Governor or the central government for implementation.

This reflects a complete disregard for the rights and rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandit community, whose return is essential for the region’s social and cultural rejuvenation.

Omar Abdullah’s assertion that the elected government is not powerless and his hope for the dual power system to end fail to inspire confidence. The dual control system, necessitated by years of political mismanagement and appeasement policies, is a reality of governance in the UT.

However, if his government truly has power, why are the most critical issues of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits—property restoration, fair compensation, and meaningful resettlement—still unresolved?On the matter of Article 370 and 35(A), Omar Abdullah rightly acknowledges that promising their restoration would be foolish.

For decades, these provisions were misused to perpetuate exclusion and appeasement, which alienated communities like the Kashmiri Pandits.

Their abrogation was a historic step towards equality and integration, and leaders like Omar Abdullah must embrace this reality instead of using it for political rhetoric.

His criticism of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) transfers, though valid, seems selective. Corruption has plagued J&K for decades, flourishing under political regimes that failed to enforce transparency.

The current scrutiny of projects like Smart City is essential, but the roots of corruption lie in the governance structures Omar Abdullah and others once presided over.

As true nationalists, the Kashmiri Pandit community demands accountability and justice. Successive governments have failed to address our grievances, leaving us voiceless and exiled.

Omar Abdullah and other leaders must move beyond hollow words and address the genuine concerns of those who have suffered the most.The road to a peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir lies in embracing justice, inclusivity, and accountability.

The Kashmiri Pandit community deserves its rightful place in the Valley, with security, dignity, and representation.

Anything less is a betrayal of India’s democratic and nationalistic principles. [ Kundan Kashmiri].Kashmir observer, Freelance writer & President Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC )– Mobile No 8802167955E-mail -kundankashmiri@gnail.com