Jammu : As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections have been declared today and we the displaced Kashmiri Kashmiri Pandits in exile find ourselves in a unique position where we must navigate our political participation while grappling with the challenges of displacement and longing for our Kashyap Bhoomi/homeland.
As true citizen of India, I am of the opinion that firstly, it’s essential for we displaced Kashmiri Pandits to recognize the importance of exercising our democratic rights. Despite being away from our ancestral land, the Kashmir Valley voices and votes carry significant weight in shaping the political landscape of the country. By participating in the electoral process, we can assert our agency and contribute to the decision-making processes that impact our lives.
One crucial step for we Kashmiri Pandits in exile is to ensure our voter registration is up to date. This involves updating our residential addresses to reflect our current locations outside of the Kashmir Valley. Efforts should be made to streamline this process and provide necessary support and resources to facilitate voter registration for displaced Kashmiri Pandits.
Furthermore, importantly we displaced Kashmiri Pandits should actively engage with political parties and candidates to advocate for our concerns and issues. We must articulate our demands for justice, resettlement & rehabilitation, settlement of our burning issues including our “One place settlement at the land of Kashyap in Kashmir valley , grant of Indeginious status to KP community, one seat in lok Sabha / Rajsabh for KP,s, special financial package to displaced KP,s, settlement of grave issues of KP youths in particular overage youths,solution of PM package employees issue including security & accommodation issues, enhancement of relief, passage of Shrine and temple bill and other issues .
By organizing forums, discussions, and meetings with political representatives, we can amplify our voices and garner support for our cause.and issues.and ask them to put our sensitive issues and demands in their menifesto,s of their respective political parties.
In addition to engaging with mainstream political parties,we Kashmiri Pandits should also explore the possibility of forming our own advocacy groups or political platforms. These platforms can serve as vehicles for promoting our specific interests and mobilizing support within our community and beyond. By consolidating our political identity and agenda, we can effectively lobby for our rights and aspirations.
Awareness campaigns are vital for empowering displaced Kashmiri Pandits to make informed decisions during elections which can help to educate us about the electoral process, candidates’ platforms, and relevant policies. This will enable us to vote strategically and hold elected representatives accountable for our promises and actions.
Lastly, it’s crucial for we displaced Kashmiri Pandits to maintain resilience and perseverance in our pursuit of justice and dignity. Despite the challenges we face, we must remain steadfast in our commitment and demands to reclaiming to rights and rebuilding our lives.
I am sure through sustained activism, political engagement, and unity, we can work towards a future where we can return to our Kashyap Bhoomi/homeland with dignity and security.
In conclusion, I would further like to say that we displaced Kashmiri Pandits must seize the opportunity presented by the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to assert out political agency and advocate for our rights. By actively participating in the electoral process, engaging with political stakeholders, and mobilizing support, we can contribute to shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for ourselves and our community.
[ Kundan Kashmiri]
Sevak & President Kashmiri Pandit Conference ( KPC)
kundankashmiri@gmail.com
Mobile No 880 2167955