New Delhi, May 31: The All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) has expressed deep disappointment and anger over the persistent failure of both the State and Central Governments to fulfill long-standing promises for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to the Kashmir Valley. After decades of displacement, the community is calling for urgent intervention and decisive action.
AIKS reiterates its demand for the immediate reconstitution of the Apex Coordinating Body, disbanded in 2014, to facilitate structured dialogue and coordination between the community and governments.
“Ad-hoc decisions and fragmented approaches are failing our community,” said Ravinder Pandita, President of AIKS. “It’s time for accountability and collective action.”
AIKS also underscored the urgent need to protect the religious and cultural heritage of Kashmiri Pandits, pressing for the establishment of a dedicated Temples and Shrines Board.
“The establishment of a Temples and Shrines Board is crucial, especially after recent mismanagement instances,” said Pandita. “This interim mechanism is essential until the pending Temples and Shrines Bill is passed.”
Sunil Kaul, General Secretary of AIKS, voiced alarm at the increasing disconnect between the exiled community and government institutions.
“Lack of institutional engagement enables fringe elements to push divisive agendas, weakening community unity,” he said, stressing the need for inclusive policy dialogue and direct outreach from decision-makers.
Sanjay Sapru, Media In-charge and Advisor to AIKS, strongly criticized what he described as consistent governmental apathy.
“Repeated representations seeking appointments with the Chief Minister and relevant ministries have gone unanswered,” Sapru stated. “Our concerns are ignored, and our community is neglected.”
The AIKS reiterated that symbolic gestures and empty assurances are no longer sufficient. The community demands the restoration of institutional mechanisms, genuine dialogue, and concrete steps toward safe, dignified, and sustainable rehabilitation in the Valley.
