Will return to valley once govt recognises our exodus as ‘genocide’, say Kashmiri Pandits

Jammu, Oct 30: Prominent leaders of Kashmiri Pandit (KP) organisations advocating for the rights of the displaced community have distanced themselves from the recent statement made by Dr Karan Singh, former ‘Sadr-e-Riyasat’ and the son of the last Dogra ruler of Jammu & Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh. Dr Karan Singh had expressed doubts about the possibility of Kashmiri Pandits returning to the valley despite government efforts.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Kashmiri Pandits said they are indeed willing to return to their homeland, but under certain conditions. Their primary demand is that the government officially recognises the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits as a “genocide” of Hindus and ensure the protection of their constitutional, political, and social rights.
Dr Mahesh Koul, an author and strategic expert, voiced his opinion on the matter. He acknowledged that the Government of India (GoI) has taken steps in the right direction, particularly with the abrogation of Article 370, which had sparked hope among the community. However, Dr Koul emphasised that the process of return and rehabilitation for Kashmiri Pandits can only be realised by implementing the Margdarshan Resolution of 1991 and the Prevention of Genocide and Atrocities Bill of 2020 in both letter and spirit.
Reacting to Dr Karan Singh’s recent remarks, Dr Ajay Chrungoo, President of Panun Kashmir, reiterated that the core issue remains the recognition of the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits and urged the Government of India to officially acknowledge it. Dr Chrungoo emphasised that the community is fully prepared to return to the valley once this recognition is achieved.
Dr Agnishekhar, founder-convener of Panun Kashmir, echoed these sentiments, expressing the eagerness of Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homeland. He went on to say that, if necessary, they are willing to wait for decades to return to the valley as it is their homeland.
Dr Agnishekhar stressed that the core issue at hand is the recognition of the genocide of KPs, a crucial step that must be taken for the community’s return to the valley.