K K Khosa
The return and rehabilitation of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community remains a complex and challenging issue. With each passing day, the intricacies deepen, making the ultimate goal for the Pandits more elusive and distant. The return of peace to the valley has acted as a catalyst for the displaced community’s yearning to return, which has recently manifested in increased visits to the land of their forefathers for various reasons.
The ongoing elections for the Union Territory assembly, held after ten years, have brought this core issue for the Kashmiri Pandits into sharp focus. Every political party, either directly or indirectly, has mentioned it in their manifesto, reflecting the keen interest of the community itself. The presence of more than twenty Kashmiri Pandit candidates, both independents and those backed by recognized national and regional political parties, stands as a testament to the exiled community’s desire to reconnect with its roots and be rehabilitated in the valley after thirty-five years of living as refugees. This renewed interest has been highlighted by the reasonable voter turnout in different constituencies, expressing their desires and aspirations clearly.
The removal of cumbersome voting procedures and bottlenecks has energized the community, while the elaborate arrangements made by the authorities have encouraged their participation. This significant turnout has occurred after more than twenty-five years, during which several elections were held for various democratic bodies, including the Lok Sabha, Legislative Assembly and local bodies, but with much lower participation. During this disheartening period, the Kashmiri Pandits repeatedly demanded simplification of the voting process at all relevant forums, but the government of the day remained indifferent, seemingly taking pleasure in the disenfranchisement of the exiled community. Credit is due to the Narendra Modi-led NDA government for finally addressing these issues.
The exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits has left a deep wound in the social fabric of the valley, a scar that continues to fester. However, hopes for an honorable return are once again rising with the imminent formation of a new Union Territory government, backed by a popular mandate. Fresh initiatives will be needed to create a conducive environment for restoring Kashmir’s syncretic traditions. The deep chasm created by the 1989-90 exodus between the majority and minority communities remains unbridged and continues to widen. Despite increasing informal interactions, made possible by the frequent visits of Kashmiri Pandits for religious and other purposes, the resultant goodwill appears temporary. Both communities understand that these interactions, though positive, are incidental and lack the depth to generate lasting goodwill and camaraderie.
A more concerted and structured approach is required, one driven by sincerity, openness, and a strong political will from both communities, alongside the Government of India (GOI) and the newly elected Union Territory government. The upcoming government gives renewed hope, as it will be more representative, having been elected by around sixty percent of the electorate-a stark contrast to previous elections, where turnout rarely exceeded ten percent due to boycotts. This new government will also represent the aspirations of Kashmir’s youth, who have witnessed the drastic changes that have swept the valley over the past five years.
After thirty-five years of living in exile, the community has realized that a united and concerted effort by the Kashmiri Pandits themselves is essential for resolving their issues, particularly the critical matter of return and rehabilitation. Achieving consensus on both major and minor issues is key to resolving them, forming the bedrock of any return and rehabilitation policy whenever it is formulated. The initiative for such an exercise must come from the Kashmiri Pandits. Until now, various Kashmiri Pandit organizations have promoted their own opinions about acceptable methodologies for rehabilitation, resulting in a flood of proposals-some achievable, others bordering on utopia. This has led to a cacophony of disjointed voices. The need is for a synchronized and cohesive thought process, followed by constructive engagement, with the sole purpose of reaching consensus on the core issue of return and rehabilitation.
At the same time, the newly elected Modi government, which will remain in power until 2029, must prioritize this core issue. With the main obstacle-the persistence of terrorism-significantly reduced, the time is ripe for the GOI to not only formulate a robust return and rehabilitation policy in consultation with the Kashmiri Pandits but also implement it in both letter and spirit, fulfilling their long-standing commitment to the community. The role of the newly elected Union Territory government will be crucial, particularly in implementing these policies.
A sense of shared identity must be fostered among the youth of both communities. Social media could be a medium through which coexistence and mutual acceptance are promoted. Other channels could include holistic interfaces between the two communities.
The torn fabric of our shared past must be rewoven with modern threads, yet it must retain the strength and fragrance of the spiritual ethos soaked in Shaivism nurtured over centuries in the valley. Kashmir, founded by Rishi Kashyap, has been the sacred land of sages, rishis, and spiritual leaders for millennia. Their blessings and teachings have instilled the highest values of humanism and spirituality among the people of this holy land. While the advent of Islam in the 14th century brought significant changes-both through peaceful conversions and force-the consciousness of our civilizational roots must be rekindled in the younger generation. The radical Islamists who, starting in the mid-1980s, successfully eroded the Sufi culture that once prevailed in the valley, did so to the detriment of Kashmir’s peace-loving people. Restoring this lost cultural harmony is essential for the peaceful coexistence of all communities.
In conclusion, the return and rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandits is not just a political or social challenge, but a deeply emotional and cultural one that requires sustained efforts from all stakeholders. The time has come to rebuild the bonds between the displaced community and their homeland, fostering a spirit of coexistence rooted in the valley’s rich heritage of syncretism. While recent political developments offer a glimmer of hope, meaningful progress will require a unified approach from the Kashmiri Pandits, along with strong political will from both the central and local governments. The road ahead may be long and fraught with challenges, but the possibility of a peaceful and dignified return is within reach. By nurturing dialogue, mutual understanding, and a shared sense of identity among the younger generation, a future where both communities live in harmony can be realized, ensuring that the scars of the past are healed with the wisdom of shared experiences. As the old saying goes, when you keep pursuing your goals with zeal and commitment, the elements will also mobilize to further your objectives.
(The author is President of Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Jammu)
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