Srinagar- Reiterating their desire to return to their ancestral homeland, members of the Kashmiri Pandit community on Monday called for concrete measures to facilitate their rehabilitation, including the establishment of a dedicated township in Rainawari and greater opportunities for community-led investment in Kashmir.
The demands were raised at a press conference following the conclusion of the week-long Global Kashmiri Pandit Heritage Tour and the two-day international conclave, ‘Praagaash’, held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC).
Addressing the media, community representative Dr Surinder Kaul said the initiative marked an important step towards reconnecting displaced Kashmiri Pandits, particularly the younger generation, with their cultural roots and civilisational heritage.
“For the first time in 36 years, members of our community came together to undertake a structured heritage tour across Kashmir. The objective was to reconnect our people, especially the youth, with their roots, traditions and civilisational heritage,” he said.
The Heritage Tour, held from June 6 to 12, covered several temples, shrines, ashrams and historic sites across the Valley.
Dr Kaul said the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989-90 had scattered the community across India and abroad, posing significant challenges to preserving its cultural identity and traditions.
“Our biggest challenge over the past three decades has been safeguarding our heritage and ensuring that future generations remain connected with their roots,” he said.
The speakers said the ‘Praagaash’ conclave provided a platform for discussions on issues relating to rehabilitation, cultural preservation and the future of the displaced community.
They welcomed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s remarks during the conclave, particularly his reference to the events of 1989-90 as a “genocide”, describing it as an important acknowledgement of the suffering endured by the community.
Calling for a structured rehabilitation policy, the representatives urged the government to explore the development of a dedicated township in Rainawari, one of the historic centres of Kashmiri Pandit habitation in Srinagar.
“A planned township can provide a secure and dignified environment for returning families and serve as a hub for educational, cultural and community institutions,” Dr Kaul said.
The speakers also appealed to successful entrepreneurs and professionals from the Kashmiri Pandit community to invest in Kashmir and contribute to the region’s economic development.
“The time has come for us to give back to our motherland. Investment by members of the community can create opportunities, strengthen confidence and contribute to the prosperity of Kashmir,” Dr Kaul said.
He added that sustainable investment would require an atmosphere of peace, stability and progress.
Expressing optimism about the future, the community representatives said that despite the hardships of the past three-and-a-half decades, Kashmiri Pandits remain committed to preserving their heritage, empowering younger generations and working towards a peaceful, secure and dignified return to the Valley.
