New Delhi, July 2025 – In a momentous and long-overdue move, Hon’ble Member of Parliament Shri Vivek K. Tankha has introduced in the Rajya Sabha the “Kashmiri Pandits (Recourse, Restitution, Rehabilitation and Resettlement) Bill, 2022” during the current Monsoon Session. This powerful and multidimensional Bill aims to correct a tragic chapter in independent India’s history by ensuring the social, political, economic, and cultural rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, alongside the protection of their property and identity, and the creation of a safe, dignified, and permanent resettlement at one place in the Valley, the sacred land of Kashyap.

The Bill establishes a detailed framework for action. It forms a Member Advisory Committee with diaspora representation to ensure implementation. It grants domicile rights to all eligible Kashmiri Pandits, including pre-1944 migrants with cultural linkage. A web portal and help desks will assist applicants, while district-level task forces and time-bound procedures will facilitate certificate issuance.

The Bill grants minority status and official recognition of genocide to Kashmiri Pandits. A White Paper will be published on the exodus and atrocities post-1988. Political representation is reserved, and postal voting rights secured. Economic revival will be supported through interest-free loans, tax exemptions, business grants, and job reservations. Educational relief includes seat reservations, relaxed cut-offs, and scholarships. Health care benefits and medical allowances will be extended to the economically weak.

On property matters, the Bill ensures complete restoration of encroached, grabbed, or illegally sold property. Distress sales post-1989 will be declared null and void. A Custodian Committee will be formed with civil court powers to redress grievances and restore records.

For heritage and culture, the Bill mandates identification, protection, and restoration of all religious, spiritual, and cultural sites, including temples, ghats, shrines, and ashrams. It proposes the establishment of the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines Board on the lines of the Mata Vaishno Devi and Amarnath Shrine Boards.

Recognizing the threats faced by the community, the Bill declares Kashmiri Pandits as an “at-risk population.” It proposes recruitment of 3,000 KP security personnel and formation of a KP Security Task Force with special powers. Arms license will be issued to one member of each family, and a dedicated security fund will be created.

To ensure justice, a dedicated inquiry commission and a Judicial Tribunal headed by a retired Chief Justice will be constituted to investigate the genocide and prosecute perpetrators.

For resettlement, the Bill provides allocation of consolidated land for one-place rehabilitation in the Kashmir Valley. Lump-sum housing grants and a monthly relief of ₹5,000 per person (₹20,000 per family), to be revised every three years, are proposed.

A permanent Advisory Council of distinguished Kashmiri Pandits will be formed to monitor implementation and advise on future policy decisions. The Central Government will be empowered to make all necessary rules and frameworks for transparent execution of this Act.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
This Bill is a historic lifeline for over six lakh displaced Kashmiri Pandits, who were victims of genocide and forced exodus in 1990. It provides a legally binding roadmap for their return with dignity, justice, and security. From restoring temples and homes, to job opportunities and education, from medical aid to political representation—this Bill is the first serious and structured attempt to undo decades of neglect, betrayal, and marginalization.

FINAL APPEAL BY KUNDAN KASHMIRI, PRESIDENT KPC

As Sevak and President of the Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC), and a humble voice of our deeply wounded community, I urgently appeal to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji, and the entire Parliament to ensure the immediate passage of this historic Bill, without delay or dilution.

We further appeal for the simultaneous passage of the Genocide Bill, officially recognizing the heinous crimes committed against Kashmiri Pandits and ensuring justice through legal accountability and national acknowledgement..Also indigenous status to be granted to Kashmiri Pandits being indigenous people of Kashmir community.

It is our collective moral duty as a nation to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits at one place in the land of Kashyap, our sacred ancestral home not as refugees, but as rightful citizens. Let the spirit of justice, humanity, and national unity prevail.

“Jai Hind! Jai Bharat! Jai Kashyap Bhoomi”

[Kundan Kashmiri]
Kashmir Watcher, Sevak & President – KPC
Email: kundankashmiri@gmail.com | Mobile: 8802167955