Srinagar, Jan 18: In preparation for Republic Day celebrations, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone V. K. Birdi has ordered enhanced security measures and intensified area domination throughout the region to thwart any potential security threats.
In a high-level meeting with senior officials, IGP Birdi emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, especially in sensitive areas, to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the Republic Day celebrations. He outlined a comprehensive security plan that includes increased patrolling, the establishment of additional checkpoints, and tighter surveillance measures.
“All officers must remain on high alert and implement robust security arrangements to prevent any threats. Ensuring the safety of citizens and the successful execution of Republic Day events is our top priority,” the IGP stated.
Birdi also directed officials to take strict action against individuals attempting to disturb the region’s peaceful atmosphere.
“Stringent action will be taken against those who misuse social media platforms to incite violence,” he added.
Earlier, IGP Kashmir was briefed by senior officers on the security preparations already in place, and they presented detailed plans aimed at enhancing security, protecting public spaces, and ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.
During the meeting, IGP Birdi assigned specific tasks to officers, with clear instructions to execute the plans with precision and coordination.
“Necessary directions were also issued to ensure the successful execution of key arrangements for the event. The meeting focused on critical aspects, including crowd management, traffic control, intelligence updates, and strategic deployment of police personnel,” he said.
The IGP also reviewed security arrangements for highways, railway tracks, and stations across the valley, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring in these areas.
The Traffic Wing was instructed to devise an effective traffic plan, ensuring the uninterrupted movement of public transport, private vehicles, and the smooth travel of protected individuals.
The review meeting was attended by IGP CRPF Srinagar, DIG Armed/IR Kashmir, DIsG of Kashmir Zones, DIG CRPF North/South/KOS Srinagar, DIG BSF Srinagar, DD IB Srinagar, SSP PCR Kashmir, all SSsP of Kashmir Zone, SSP Traffic City Srinagar, SSP APCR, SSP CID CIK, SSP Security Kashmir, Col IS 15 Corps, DC SB, SP PC Srinagar, SP Telecommunication, and other officers.
SVSU-WIN survey reveals alarming demographic decline of KPs
New Delhi, Jan 18: A new survey conducted by Shri Vishwakarma Skill University (SVSU) in collaboration with Whetstone International Networking (WIN) has highlighted the devastating demographic decline of the Kashmiri Pandit community. The survey, titled Kashmiri Pandits Post-Exile Culture Survey, reveals that the community’s population growth rate has plummeted to a mere 1.6%, raising serious concerns about its future survival. The survey also challenges several misconceptions about the community’s ties to their homeland, demonstrating that despite decades of displacement due to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the early 1990s, the majority of Kashmiri Pandits continue to maintain a deep emotional connection to Kashmir.
The survey’s findings reveal that 66.6% of Kashmiri Pandits still own property in Kashmir, defying the widespread belief that the community has severed all ties with the region. Furthermore, nearly half of the respondents—48.6%—have refused to sell their ancestral homes, indicating a strong desire to preserve their heritage and maintain their bond with the land. This enduring attachment stands in stark contrast to the image often portrayed of the community as having moved on from their roots.
Despite the hardships of displacement, there remains a strong sense of hope within the community for a return to Kashmir. A significant 62% of respondents expressed aspirations to return, with security and rehabilitation concerns cited as their primary barriers to resettlement. This finding underlines the resilience and determination of the Kashmiri Pandit community, who, despite living in exile for decades, continue to hold on to the hope of returning to their homeland.
However, the survey also highlights the alarming demographic crisis faced by the community. The population growth rate of Kashmiri Pandits has significantly slowed, exacerbated by delayed marriages, with 13% of respondents marrying after the age of 30, and smaller family sizes, averaging just 1.6 children per family. These factors, combined with the long-term effects of displacement, have resulted in a sharp decline in the community’s population, further jeopardizing its future.
In addition to demographic challenges, the survey also points to a decline in cultural and linguistic practices. Only 60.8% of respondents communicate with their children in Kashmiri, signaling a loss of the language among younger generations. Furthermore, traditional cultural practices, such as the use of the Kashmiri Panchang and participation in local festivals, are fading from everyday life, contributing to a sense of cultural erosion.
To address these pressing issues, the survey puts forward several recommendations aimed at revitalizing the community. These include government initiatives to provide targeted rehabilitation, group housing, and legal protections for ancestral properties. Additionally, the survey calls for the promotion of Kashmiri culture through the digitization of cultural resources, the establishment of centers for socio-cultural and linguistic studies, and the restoration of temples and heritage sites to preserve Kashmiri pride.
The survey also advocates for the economic empowerment of the community, proposing skill development programs and entrepreneurial funding for Kashmiri Pandit youth. Linking resettlement initiatives with job creation and housing incentives is also seen as essential for fostering long-term economic stability. Politically, the survey recommends the reservation of a parliamentary seat for the Kashmiri Pandit community and the creation of a dedicated political council to ensure their voices are heard in the decision-making process.
The Kashmiri Pandits Post-Exile Culture Survey is a wake-up call for the government, policymakers, and civil society to take immediate action to address the community’s challenges. The findings underscore the community’s unbroken bond with Kashmir and their resilience in the face of adversity. Supporting their aspirations for return, rehabilitation, and cultural preservation is not only a moral responsibility but also essential for strengthening India’s pluralistic and inclusive identity. Immediate and sustained efforts are needed to ensure that the Kashmiri Pandit community does not face extinction and continues to thrive in the years to come.
