Government of India and the state administration must take proactive measures to address the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits before expecting their participation in electoral exercises”.—- Kundan Kashmiri, Sevak & President KPC

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Jammu : The upcoming elections in Kashmir pose a critical question for the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community as should they participate in the electoral process while residing outside the valley? This dilemma is not merely about political participation but fundamentally concerns the absence of meaningful representation and welfare for those who are no longer residing in valley. .

 

Since the exodus in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Kashmiri Pandits have been displaced from their ancestral homes due to violence and persecution. The aftermath of this displacement has been marked by a struggle for survival in various parts of India, far from the lush valleys they once called home. Despite decades passing, the issue of their return and rehabilitation remains unresolved and largely unaddressed.

As we think participation in elections requires more than casting a ballot; it necessitates a belief in the efficacy of elected representatives to protect and promote the interests of their constituents. For Kashmiri Pandits scattered across the country, the current reality is starkly different. Elected representatives in the valley, including MLAs, have historically failed to address the concerns of displaced Pandits. Issues such as rehabilitation, security, and cultural preservation have often been sidelined, rendering the electoral process in Kashmir somewhat meaningless for those who are not physically present.

 

The allocation of constituency funds, intended for the development and welfare of residents, holds little relevance for Kashmiri Pandits who are unable to benefit from such initiatives. The funds earmarked for their constituencies remain underutilized, further deepening the sense of disenfranchisement among the displaced community. This raises pertinent questions about the accountability of elected officials and the legitimacy of electoral processes that fail to accommodate the needs of all stakeholders.

 

It is therefore imperative that the Government of India and the state administration take proactive measures to address the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits before expecting their participation in electoral exercises. The community’s return to the valley must be facilitated in a manner that respects their choices and ensures their safety and dignity. This approach not only aligns with principles of justice and human rights but also strengthens the democratic fabric of the region by fostering inclusive governance.

 

Kashmiri Pandits, on their part, face a dual challenge: to assert their right to return to their homeland and to demand meaningful representation that reflects their aspirations and concerns. This requires a strategic reconsideration of their engagement with electoral processes until conditions for their effective participation are met. The community’s leadership must advocate for policies that prioritize their welfare and pave the way for a dignified return, rather than merely symbolic gestures of inclusion.

 

We can say that while electoral participation is a cornerstone of democracy, its efficacy hinges on the responsiveness of elected representatives. For Kashmiri Pandits, participation should be contingent upon their ability to influence outcomes that directly impact their lives and futures. Until the displaced community is rehabilitated with respect and dignity and at the place of their choice electoral engagement in the valley remains a hollow exercise, devoid of substantive benefits. The time has come for a paradigm shift towards prioritizing justice and rehabilitation, ensuring that Kashmiri Pandits can reclaim their rightful place in the valley they call home.

 

[ KUNDAN KASHMIRI].

Victim of dirty Kashmir politics & President KPC

kundankashmiri@gmail.com

Mobile No 880 2167955

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