Our victim community of Kashmiri Pandits in exile has learned a lot from painful exodus, trouble-torn events, tragic and deeply troubling issues faced over centuries, particularly in the last seventy-five years of miserable life. It now necessitates creating a one-place consolidated settlement for displaced Kashmiri Pandits within the valley, which needs preference and priority. This need arises from a multitude of factors, including historical context, psychological well-being, and the imperative of preserving our cultural identity, safety, security, and our existence.
The fact of the matter is that the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits from the valley was not merely a forced migration; it was also a rupture of our centuries-old cultural and social fabric. The valley, once our ancestral home, became hostile territory, rendering us minorities in our own land. This loss has resulted in a profound sense of alienation and dislocation among the Kashmiri Pandit community. Establishing a consolidated settlement at one place within the valley would serve as a symbolic reclaiming of our rightful place, allowing us to reconnect with our roots, rebuild our shattered identity, and ensure our existence together as a community.
The scattered existence of Kashmiri Pandits in various villages and towns across the valley has exacerbated our feelings of isolation and vulnerability. Living as minorities in predominantly Muslim-populated areas, we often face social exclusion, discrimination, and a lack of representation in local governance. This marginalization not only undermines our sense of belonging but also poses significant challenges to our physical safety and well-being. By consolidating them into one settlement, the community can leverage our collective strength and support system to address common issues and advocate for our rights effectively.
Psychologically, being a minority in a vastly different cultural and religious environment can have profound effects on individuals’ mental health and overall well-being. The constant sense of being othered and the fear of persecution can lead to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among the displaced Kashmiri Pandits. Creating a single settlement where we can live amongst our own community members would provide a sense of solidarity and belonging, fostering a supportive environment where we can heal from the trauma of displacement and rebuild our lives with dignity and resilience.
Moreover, a consolidated settlement at one place would facilitate the preservation and promotion of Kashmiri Pandit culture, language, and traditions, which are at risk of being eroded in the absence of a conducive environment for our transmission and continuity. By fostering a vibrant cultural hub within the valley, the community can actively engage in cultural exchange initiatives, educational programs, and community events, ensuring the intergenerational transmission of our heritage and fostering mutual understanding and respect for each other.
Significant Points for One-Place Settlement of Displaced Kashmiri Pandits:
1. “Preservation of Culture:”
Helps preserve the unique culture, language, and traditions of the Kashmiri Pandit community by enabling them to live together and maintain their identity.
2. Security and Safety: Concentrating the community in one area enhances their security and safety, reducing vulnerability to targeted attacks or harassment.
3. Community Support:
Living together fosters a strong sense of community support, where individuals can rely on each other for various needs, including social, emotional, and economic support.
4. Ease of Access to Resources: Consolidated settlements facilitate easier access to essential resources such as healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and government services.
5. **Infrastructure Development:** Concentrating the population in one area can attract investment and development initiatives, leading to improved infrastructure and amenities in the settlement.
6. **Political Representation:** A consolidated settlement can amplify the community’s political voice and representation, enabling them to advocate for their rights and interests more effectively.
7. **Cultural Revival:** By living together, Kashmiri Pandits can revive and celebrate their cultural practices, festivals, and religious ceremonies, which might have been suppressed or forgotten during displacement.
In conclusion, the establishment of a consolidated settlement for displaced Kashmiri Pandits within the Kashmir Valley is imperative for addressing our immediate socio-economic needs and the deep-seated psychological wounds caused by displacement and marginalization. Providing a sense of belonging, security, and cultural continuity would empower the community and contribute to the broader goals of peace and prosperity.
Hence, ponder coolly and understand the advantages of one-place settlement of displaced Kashmiri Pandits at the “land of Kashyap” in the valley. Support fully this genuine and only viable demand of the Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) for all Kashmiri Pandits residing outside the Kashmir Valley in exile.
[Kundan Kashmiri]
Kashmir watcher & President KPC
kundankashmiri@gmail.com
Mobile: 880 2167955