Jammu : The story of Kashmiri Pandits is a stark reminder of the failures and shortcomings of successive governments and political parties. Their prolonged suffering and marginalization reflect a broader systemic issue of neglect and exploitation. There voices not heard and their legitimate demands not addressed., faced relentless persecution and marginalization. Over the decades, their plight has been exacerbated by a combination of state and central political machinations, turning their suffering into a prolonged saga of betrayal and decite.
Despite of being peaceful,they became victims of the political turmoil in the Kashmir region, victim of violence, intimidation, and a complete breakdown of law and order which lead to a humanitarian crisis.
Promises made to them ( Kashmiri Pandits) over the years have largely remained unfulfilled. Successive state and central governments have often used the community’s plight as a political tool, offering assurances of schemes and packages that rarely translated into real support or meaningful rehabilitation.They have failed to deliver its promises fully.
This community has been frequently reduced to mere pawns in the political game of vote bank politics. Political parties, both at the state and central levels, have often sought to divide the community to serve their own interests. This has led to further fragmentation and disillusionment among the Pandits.
Despite the gravity of their situation, the problems and demands of the Kashmiri Pandits have been largely ignored. Their appeals for justice and rehabilitation have often been met with indifference or outright dismissal. The doors for dialogue have remained closed, and the community has been systematically isolated from mainstream political and social discourse. This neglect has manifested in various ways, including the lack of proper representation, in government schemes, insufficient employment opportunities,in central departments at proper places and inadequate support for cultural preservation.
The younger generation of Kashmiri Pandits, especially those employed under the PM package, continues to face significant challenges. Living in a state of constant uncertainty, these youths have been left to fend for themselves with minimal support. Their genuine grievances and demands have been systematically ignored, and they have been forced to navigate a hostile environment with little hope for improvement. This has resulted in a pervasive sense of disillusionment and frustration within the community.
So, redressal of the plight of Kashmiri Pandits requires a multi-faceted approach.
Firstly ,there needs to be a sincere acknowledgment of their suffering caused due to their displacement, genocide and ethnic cleansings and secondly there should be firm commitment to addressing their grievances and accept their genuine demands . Additionally, there needs to be a concerted effort to foster dialogue and allowing the Pandit community to voice their concerns .Their plight should not be a footnote in the annals of history but a clarion call for justice and a clarion call for justice and empathy. It is time for the nation to recognize their sacrifices and take concrete steps to ensure that the Pandits are restored to their rightful place in the fabric of Indian society.
It is imperative that the voices of Kashmiri Pandits are heard and their legitimate demands addressed. Only then can we hope to rectify the injustices they have endured and pave the way for a more inclusive and just society.
Addressing the historical suffering and enduring injustice faced by the Kashmiri Pandits is a shared responsibility that transcends individual efforts. It requires the unified action of politicians, political parties, and the entire nation. We must come together, speaking with one voice and acting in unity, to ensure the rehabilitation and justice that the Kashmiri Pandits deserve. Our collective resolve can transform their plight and restore our rightful place in society, underscoring the paramount importance of unity in our community.CNI
[Kundan Kashmiri]
Sevak & President, KPC
kundankashmiri@gmail.com
Mobile: 880 2167955
