Kashmir Pandit groups criticise Srinagar conclave, reiterate demand for separate homeland

Srinagar, June 15: Two organisations representing sections of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community—Roots in Kashmir and Youth for Panun Kashmir—have strongly criticised a recent conclave held in Srinagar, alleging that certain participants attempted to undermine the long-standing demands of the community regarding their return and rehabilitation.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, the organisations said the event was organised by an unregistered group claiming to represent Kashmiri Pandits and alleged that some statements made during the conclave, particularly by foreign citizens, appeared aimed at “whitewashing” the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits and the circumstances surrounding their exodus from the Valley.

The groups asserted that the Kashmiri Pandit community continues to stand by the Margdarshan Resolution of 1991, which they described as the foundational document of the movement and the framework for the community’s dignified and secure return to Kashmir.

Youth for Panun Kashmir president Vithal Chowdhary questioned the participation of certain individuals in political engagements during the conclave, saying thousands of displaced Kashmiri Hindus were still awaiting justice and rehabilitation.

He also raised concerns over what he termed a contradiction between claims of normalcy in Kashmir and the continued challenges faced by members of the displaced community.

Activist Amit Raina said political commentary by foreign citizens on India’s internal affairs was unwelcome and alleged that such statements could have implications for the security of Kashmiri Pandits still living in the Valley.

Speaking on behalf of Roots in Kashmir, Rahul Mahanoori reiterated the organisations’ core demands, including justice for victims of the migration, a one-place settlement for displaced Kashmiri Hindus, and Union Territory status for a proposed homeland within Kashmir.

The two organisations also announced that they would organise a Havan in memory of community members who lost their lives and to pray for peace for those they described as martyrs of the community.

The statement was jointly issued by Roots in Kashmir and Youth for Panun Kashmir.