K K Khosa
The recent statements by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, affirming the Government of India’s (GOI) commitment to the resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits in the valley, has reignited a long-dormant hope. He made this statement recently while addressing the gathering in the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Jammu on the occasion of Navreh which he attended as the chief guest on the 30th of March 2025. His call for the community to unite and collaborate with the Government is a crucial step towards addressing a complex and deeply emotional issue. The prospect of return, however is fraught with challenges, demanding a nuanced approach that prioritizes both security and socio-economic rehabilitation.
The first hand response of the Kashmiri Pandits to the welcome statement need not be an overzealous one, but at the same time it must not be unduly skeptical. While reacting the community should make sure that pragmatism remains the bedrock of our responses so that we don’t queer the pitch in any way. We have also to ensure that the practice of indulging in a merely rhetorical approach is kept at bay in full measure.
Undoubtedly, it will have to be a well structured policy, coming as it is after a long hiatus of more than three and a half decades. A great hope emanates from the comparatively peaceful environment that prevails in Kashmir today. Everyone knows that the last gun has yet to fall silent in the valley even after a prolonged duration of strife and violence which has engulfed it from the past three decades. So long as forces of destabilization are not anhilated completely, no one can certify the situation to be normal. Yet could this mean that the exercise to formulate a robust, return and rehabilitation policy should be kept on hold for the time being. The advice by the Lieutenant Governor that both the Government as well as the Kashmiri Pandit community will have to work jointly to create conducive conditions for the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits, must be given due consideration which it deserves. It is imperative for the community to pull up it’s socks and work towards building a unified response to the appropriate and timely advice.
The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the late 1980s and early 1990s, driven by targeted violence and a climate of fear, remains a painful chapter in India’s history. The promise of return is not merely about physical relocation; it’s about restoring a community’s sense of belonging and reclaiming a lost heritage. The recent statement by the newly elected Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, whose party got a decisive mandate, expressing the reasons for the unfortunate exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits in 1990 comes as a refreshing change from the hitherto oft repeated narrative touted by even the topmost leadership of the National Conference, which laid the blame for the exodus on Late Sh. Jagmohan alone, the then Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. Omar Abdullah has categorically stated that the return of Kashmiri Pandits is not possible unless the fear that prevailed in their minds that led to their exodus is removed. It would have been heartening if he had further stated that his party would make sincere efforts to remove that fear. The GOI has implemented various measures over the years, including financial assistance, job reservations, and the construction of transit accommodations.The promised assimilation of package employees into the regular cadre is another confidence building measure for the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. Yet another measure pursued vigorously by the Lieutenant Governor’s Government is that of repair and restoration of a large number of shrines and temples spread over the entire length and breadth of Kashmir, ensuring their safety and security as well. In this respect only enactment of a legislation to safeguard these shrines and temples from future threats of usurpation and exploitation by mafias and other unscrupulous elements remains left out.
However, the success of these initiatives hinges on several critical factors.
Security: Ensuring the safety and security of returning Pandits is paramount. This requires a robust security apparatus, community policing initiatives, and fostering a sense of trust between different communities.
Economic Rehabilitation: Creating sustainable livelihood opportunities is essential for long-term integration. This includes promoting entrepreneurship, providing vocational training, and facilitating access to employment in various sectors.
Social Integration: Addressing the psychological trauma and fostering social harmony is crucial. This involves promoting inter-community dialogue, cultural exchange programs, and addressing grievances through transparent and inclusive mechanisms.
Property Restoration: Resolving issues related to the restoration of properties left behind by displaced Pandits is a significant challenge. A transparent and efficient mechanism for property restitution is vital.
Community Involvement: As Lt. Governor Sinha emphasized, the involvement of the Kashmiri Pandit community is crucial. Their insights, experiences, and aspirations must be central to the planning and implementation of any rehabilitation program.
However the prevailing security situation in the valley remains a concern.
The integration of a displaced community after decades of separation presents significant social and psychological challenges.
Land acquisition and property restoration are complex legal and logistical issues.
Building trust and fostering reconciliation between different communities requires sustained effort.
The resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits is not merely a government responsibility; it requires a collaborative effort.
The Government has to provide a secure environment, implement effective rehabilitation programs, and ensure transparency and accountability.
The Kashmiri Pandit Community has to actively participate in the process, share their perspectives, and work towards building bridges with other communities.
Civil Society Organizations shall have to facilitate dialogue, provide support services, and promote social integration. The local Communities have to embrace the returning Pandits and work towards building a shared future.
The Lt. Governor’s call for unity and collaboration is a welcome step. The path to return and rehabilitation is complex, but it is not insurmountable. By prioritizing security, economic rehabilitation, and social integration, and by fostering a spirit of collaboration, it is possible to create a future where Kashmiri Pandits can reclaim their rightful place in the valley.
The success of this endeavor will not only heal the wounds of the past but also contribute to building a more inclusive and peaceful future for Jammu and Kashmir.
(The author is President Kashmiri Pandit Sabha Jammu)
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