Examiner News Desk | Srinagar:
Reiterating their collective aspiration to return to their ancestral homeland, members of the Kashmiri Pandit community on Monday urged the government to take concrete steps towards their rehabilitation, including the development of a dedicated township in Rainawari and the creation of greater opportunities for community-led investment in the Valley.
Addressing a press conference following the conclusion of the week-long Global Kashmiri Pandit Heritage Tour and the two-day international conclave Praagaash at SKICC, community representative Surinder Kaul described the initiative as a significant milestone in reconnecting displaced Kashmiri Pandits, particularly younger generations, with their cultural and civilisational roots.
Kaul said the Heritage Tour, held from June 6 to 12, covered several temples, shrines, ashrams and historically significant sites across Kashmir. He noted that it was the first structured heritage tour undertaken collectively by members of the community in 36 years.
“The objective was to reconnect our people, especially the youth, with their roots, traditions and civilisational heritage,” he said.
Highlighting the long-term impact of the 1989-90 exodus, Kaul said the displacement had scattered Kashmiri Pandits across India and the world, posing challenges to the preservation of the community’s identity and cultural continuity.
“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, adding that the initiative received an encouraging response from participants across age groups.
The speakers said the Praagaash conclave provided a platform for discussions on rehabilitation, cultural preservation and the future of the displaced community. They also welcomed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s remarks during the event, particularly his description of the events of 1989-90 as a “genocide,” calling it an important acknowledgement of the suffering endured by the community.
Calling for a comprehensive rehabilitation policy, community representatives urged authorities to examine the feasibility of establishing a planned 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 that can help revive the community’s presence in Kashmir,” Kaul said.
The community also appealed to successful Kashmiri Pandit entrepreneurs and professionals to invest in the Valley and contribute to its 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,” Kaul said, while stressing that sustainable investment requires an atmosphere of peace, stability and progress.
Expressing optimism about the future, the speakers said that despite the hardships faced over the past 35 years, the community remains committed to preserving its heritage, empowering younger generations and working towards a peaceful, secure and dignified return to Kashmir.
