Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC), under the leadership of Kundan Kashmiri, firmly rejects the so-called “Inter-Community Committee” initiated by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. This initiative appears to be an attempt to rewrite history and project Mirwaiz as a peace ambassador, despite his well-documented role in the events that led to the tragic exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.
Such efforts cannot erase the painful memories of a community that was uprooted from its homeland and has endured immense suffering for over three decades.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was not merely a passive observer during the dark days of 1989-90; he was an active figure in the separatist movement that fostered an environment of fear, persecution, and displacement for Kashmiri Pandits.
His silence during the horrific events that unfolded—the killings, the forced exodus, and the destruction of our homes and places of worship—raises fundamental questions about his newfound advocacy for reconciliation. If he now speaks of inter-community dialogue, it is essential for him first to acknowledge the past and take responsibility for the role he and his associates played in the suffering of Kashmiri Pandits.
For any genuine reconciliation to take place, certain fundamental issues must be addressed. Kashmiri Pandits have a rightful claim to the homes, lands, and properties that were illegally occupied, encroached upon, or taken through coercion.
Justice demands that those responsible for the targeted killings and persecution of our community be held accountable. Thousands of government jobs meant for displaced Kashmiri Pandits must be reinstated, and the systematic marginalization of our community must be acknowledged and corrected. If Mirwaiz is sincere in his intentions, he must take a stand on these critical issues rather than engaging in symbolic gestures that lack substance.
The so-called “Inter-Community Committee” does not represent the aspirations or concerns of the larger displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. Any dialogue on the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits must be based on principles of justice, security, and dignity. The involvement of individuals who do not have the mandate of the exiled community cannot serve as a substitute for a genuine engagement with those who have suffered the pain of displacement.
The return of Kashmiri Pandits to their ancestors land is not merely a logistical issue; it is a matter of ensuring justice, security, and a rightful place in the socio-political fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. Any initiative that seeks to facilitate this return must be rooted in trust, accountability, and concrete measures to address historical wrongs.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and those who now advocate for reconciliation must first demonstrate their commitment to these principles through actions, not just words. Until then, we remain cautious and skeptical of efforts that appear more focused on optics than on genuine justice and healing., besides, Mirwaiz should remain informed about basic demand and desire of one place consolidated settlement of the Displaced KP community in the valley is paramount and uncompromisiable.
“Kashmiri Pandit Conference”
[.KPC]
Kundan Kashmiri, Sevak & President, KPC –Email: kundankashmiri@gmail.com | Mobile: 880 2167955
Separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Farooq, Yasen Malik, doesn’t want return of pandits, to Kashmir, with respect, and honour. They resent on such a return, and argued, that return of pandits is welcome, but at a place, where, they were living, prior to the year 1990. Knowing well, that their houses, have either been burnt, looted, demolished by concerned authorities, for widening roads etc. This is a fact, that such developments have taken place . They do not endorse, onetime settlement, at one place, in Kashmir. There is confusion, which have to be cleared, before any move is made, to resettle Kashmiri Pandits, in Kashmir .