The story of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, is one of deep suffering, loss, and displacement, much like the tales of victim Hindus in Bangladesh who have faced relentless persecution, atrocities, and violence at the hands of radical elements. The horrors faced by the Pandits in the Kashmir Valley in the late 1980s and early 1990s mirror the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, where religious extremism, temple desecration, sex assaults, and brutal violence have been rampant. These two parallel histories offer crucial lessons for the Kashmiri Pandit community as they contemplate their future and their rehabilitation in Kashmir.
. The situation in Bangladesh serves as a grim reminder to displaced victim Kashmiri Pandits in exile about the dangers of living as a minority in a region where religious extremism and fundamentalism are on the rise and beneath. It is worth to seriously note that despite various assurances from the Bangladeshi government, the safety of Hindus remains precarious, with incidents of violence flaring up periodically and no body came to the rescue of these victim Hindu Bangladeshi, particularly to their women folk,like what happened in 1989-90 with Kashmiri Pandits in valley. This scenario is alarmingly now again similar to the safety and security concerns in Kashmir, where radicalization and the influence of pan-Islamist movements continue to threaten the possibility of a peaceful return for the Pandits in valley.
The Kashmiri Pandits must collectively acknowledge that the Valley they left behind decades ago has transformed dramatically, with the growth of radical ideologies and a pervasive atmosphere of hostility towards Kashmiri Pandit minorities. In light of this, the idea of returning to homes and hearths in Kashmir valley that may not guarantee their safety and security should be approached with extreme caution. No doubt the government’s role in ensuring a safe return is crucial, but the most important is that community itself must evaluate whether the current conditions in Kashmir align with their aspirations for a peaceful and secure life,are they safe,are their mothers,sisters and daughters are safe,can they peaceful life.?
Moreover, the global rise of pan-Islamism and increasing Muslim fundamentalism, especially in South Asia, and neighbouring countries of our nation, necessitates a more strategic and cautious approach. The Kashmiri Pandits must strongly resist the temptation of emotional decision of return to their homes and hearths in Kashmir valley by Government or by some individuals or groups or by some politicians and political parties, instead prioritize their protection of their lives , culture and identity, as rehabilitation should not mean merely returning to a geographical location but ensuring that the socio-political environment is conducive to their long-term life safety and prosperity.,honour and dignity.
Now, collectively, all the displaced victim Kashmiri Pandits must push for concrete guarantees from the Indian government and union terrority government for their complete life safety, security, for their identity, culture and religion and protection of their rights before any mass return is discussed or ever considered.
They must demand a comprehensive plan that addresses their safety and security concerns and ensures that they will not be subjected to the same horrors that forced them to flee decades ago.or what has happened with unfortunate Bangladeshi Hindus.The example of Hindus in Bangladesh should serve as a powerful reminder that mere assurances without solid, actionable steps can lead to further suffering. The future of Kashmiri Pandits lies in a well-planned, secure, and strategically sound approach to rehabilitation, not in hasty decisions driven by nostalgia or external pressures.
Hence,as per our opinion and suggest, they ( displaced Kashmiri Pandits) must very collectively think and ,discuss what is the best option for thier safe and secure rehabilitation, whether they would like to return back to their own homes,villages and towns in valley , or to collectively demand of” one place rehabilitation” in Kashmir with all safe means and facilities,or else where, or would like to live at present places,cities and states..
Before push forward their demand of rehabilitation, all displaced Kashmiri Pandits have finally to decide or choose out of these four options”
However ,as per our opinion “one place settlement” in Kashmir valley is the best and viable option for the settlement of Kashmiri Pandits,for which KPC and its allied organizations are struggling for from long time.
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[ Kundan Kashmiri]
Kashmir Watcher & President Kashmiri Pandit Conference ( KPC )—kundankashmiri@gmail.com —Mobile No.880 2167955
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