The Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) warmly welcomes the recent decision of the Hon’ble High Court, which upholds the Lieutenant Governor’s authority to nominate five members to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly under the amended Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This provision, passed by the Parliament of India, is aimed at giving voice and representation to sections of society that have long been sidelined, particularly women, displaced Kashmiri Pandits, and persons displaced from Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir.

Kundan Kashmiri, President KPC stated , while it would have been ideal to have such seats filled through a transparent electoral process, we recognise the present reality in which our community, scattered and in exile for decades, cannot secure adequate representation through conventional voting alone. This special provision is therefore a necessary and positive step towards protecting our voice in the law-making process of the Union Territory.

However, it must be clearly understood that these nominated positions are provided by Parliament to the community, not to political parties. They are meant to reflect the collective will and needs of the people they represent, not to serve as rewards for political loyalty. Therefore, we strongly urge that the selection of these members should emerge from the masses of the concerned communities through consensus, merit, and proven service rather than from the closed doors of party politics.

President KPC further appeals that this process should be transparent, participatory, and free from any political manipulation. Community elders, credible organisations, and respected civil society voices should be part of the consultation to identify genuine representatives who have worked selflessly for the welfare of their people. The nominees must be individuals who understand the pain of displacement, the struggle for identity, and the aspirations of future generations. This is not merely a constitutional provision; it is a chance to correct decades of political invisibility.

KPC call upon the leadership of all displaced and underrepresented communities, including our own, to come together and recommend individuals of integrity, commitment, and community respect. These members should be guardians of our rights and heritage, not extensions of partisan agendas.

The High Court’s decision offers an important opportunity. Let us use it to ensure that our rightful voice is heard in the Assembly, and that those who speak for us are truly ours—born from our struggles, rooted in our people, and accountable to our future.

[MEDIA CELL]
Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC)
Email: kundankashmiri@gmail.com | Mobile: 880 2167955