Jammu, July 15: Panun Kashmir – an organisation of Kashmiri Pandits – on Monday expressed deep concerns over the plight of Hindus in the valley and the government’s “inadequate response” to their suffering.
In a press conference held here, the leaders of Panun Kashmir said there is a “systematic genocide” against their community. They said that despite the government’s claims of progress following the abrogation of Article 370, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s approach has resulted in indifference and bias towards Kashmiri Hindus.
“We are often treated as second-class citizens,” they said. They accused the BJP of exploiting the plight of Kashmiri Pandits for political gain while neglecting their actual needs.
“There exists a social profiling against Hindus of Kashmir within the BJP’s ranks, treating our issues with disdain,” one leader said, adding that the community has been abandoned.
They criticised the government for “failing” to increase financial relief for internally displaced Hindus, saying many have not received any support despite the rising cost of living.
The leaders also expressed concerns about the security of employees under the PM employment package, who have faced targeted attacks by terrorists. They condemned the government’s lack of action to ensure these employees’ safety, describing it as a grave injustice.
“There is also the discriminatory nature of policies like SRO 34 which restrict career growth for Hindu employees and perpetuate their marginalization,” they said.
Panun Kashmir’s leaders said they are being politically disenfranchised. “The community has been manipulated for electoral purposes, rendering them voiceless in their struggles,” they said.
The leaders called for the establishment of a “Union Territory of Panun Kashmir” to secure the permanent rehabilitation of Hindus in the region and to advocate for their rights.
They reiterated their commitment to pursue “political freedom”. “The Hindus of Kashmir will not rest until their voices are heard and their rights are protected,” they said.
