#Nohomeforpandits: 26 years after, nostalgic Kashmiri Pandits await return to their homeland

‘New generations of Kashmiri Pandits are born in exile, in refugee camps even after 26 years, ain’t that a matter of utter shame?’

Questions like these are pouring in at Twitter as Kashmiri Pandits mark Exodus Day. Twenty six ago in 1990, more than 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits, or Kashmiri Hindus, had fled the Valley, during insurgency, with a hope that peace will restore and they will return back.

More than two decades have passed and the successive governments have failed to ensure normalcy for Kashmiri Pandits. While recounting stories during insurgency, Kashmiri Pandits say their homes were burnt and lands were grabbed. The community says they fear the same as the talks have largely remained on papers.

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Indian government stormed into power in 2014, he spoke about rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley, along with various welfare schemes. Even President Pranab Mukherjee backed Modi, saying it was an issue of prime importance and Kashmiri Pandits will not be left out in development schemes.

However, an RTI states the opposite.

Mail Today, which had access to an RTI filed by a member of Roots in Kashmir Rasnik Kher, reported that things are at a standstill even after one and a half years.

Kher said there has been talk on the same, neither the Centre nor the state government seems to be interested in the issue. As per Kher, there is no plan.

Meanwhile, Bollywood actor Anupam Kher has been active on this issue, raising his voice against the unfair treatment.






Even Twitter is abuzz with photos and comments on the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley.















Experts say this is an issue of grave seriousness and the governments, both Centre and state, should take quick steps to ensure rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

Only time will tell, if the apathy will continue.

(Image: Twitter)