The announcement of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, after years of uncertainty, comes as a cruel reminder of the plight of the Kashmiri Pandits, who have lived in exile for over three decades. For the lakhs who were forced to flee the land of their ancestors, the upcoming elections mean more than just the exercise of democratic rights, as they symbolize a continuation of their disenfranchisement and the erasure of their cultural and historical legacy.
We Kashmiri Pandits were driven out of our homes in the early 1990s by a wave of communism and terrorism that targeted and tarnished our community. Since then, we have lived as refugees, that too unrecognized refugees in our own country, cut off from the land we once called home. Despite our contributions to the nation and our strong commitment to India and our huge contribution to the development of Kashmir, our voices have been consistently ignored in the political discourse surrounding Jammu and Kashmir. The announcement of elections without addressing the fundamental issues faced by the Kashmiri Pandit community is not just a mistak,but a betrayal by the government and politicians in helm of affairs.
These elections, if conducted without considering the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, will serve to legitimize the element and our tormentors those drove us out. It is a mockery of justice to hold elections in a region where a significant section of its original inhabitants have actually not been rehabilitated and then use their voting rights, but to play with their votes.The Government of India must understand that democracy is not just about the majority but it is about protecting the rights of minorities/ arbigenies and ensuring that they are settled,safe and their voices are heard,
The silence of the government on the issue of the victim displaced Kashmiri Pandits speaks volumes. It is not enough to talk about development and integration without addressing the core issue of the Kashmiri Pandits’ rights, the arbigenies of Kashmir.. The land of Kashmir belongs to them as may to others too .Holding elections without ensuring their proper rehabilitation as per their will and choice is akin to erasing their history, their culture, and their existence.
This is a call to the Government of India to take a firm stand. The Kashmiri Pandits demand nothing less than justice and the right of our home at the land of Kashyap to live together as a community at “one place” with writ of Indian constitution and with dignity. The elections in Jammu and Kashmir should not proceed without a comprehensive plan for our consolidated rehabilitation. Anything less would be a failure of our democracy and a betrayal of the very principles that India stands for.
The nation must rise to support the Kashmiri Pandits in rightful demand for justice. The time for empty promises is over. The time for action has come now.,so these election in Jammu and Kashmir means nothing for displaced victim Kashmiri Pandits.
[ Kundan Kashmiri] Kashmir watcher & President Kashmiri Pandit Conference ( KPC)
kundankashmiri@gmail.com
Mobile No.880 2167955