Srinagar, Aug 02: Kashmiri Pandit leader and Chairman J&K Peace Forum, Satish Mahaldar on Saturday condemned what he described as “justice denied” and “humanity betrayed” in the ongoing struggle for the displaced community’s rights and rehabilitation.Addressing a gathering of concerned citizens, social activists, and Kashmiri Pandit representatives, Mahaldar said that while political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have publicly acknowledged the community’s pain, notably during his speech to exiled Pandits in September 2024, tangible steps toward justice remain elusive.He expressed frustration over the lack of concrete government measures to address the plight of Kashmiri Pandit refugees, despite repeated promises at the highest levels of leadership.“Decades of silence, broken promises, and bureaucratic neglect have left our community in limbo,” Mahaldar said. “The Prime Minister paid tribute to martyr Tika Lal Taploo and spoke of justice and return. But words are meaningless without action. Where is the Bill? Where is the justice?”He referred to the 2022 introduction of the Kashmiri Pandits (Recourse, Restitution, Rehabilitation and Resettlement) Bill in Parliament by Kashmiri Pandit MP Vivek Tankha as a critical opportunity that has yet to be realised.“This Bill offered a moral and legal framework for full restitution, not for politics, but for humanity. Yet, it remains stalled, ignored, or shelved,” he lamented.Mahaldar questioned the silence of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which claims to represent the community’s interests. “Even as the first Assembly session since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 convened, not a single resolution or bill was proposed to address Kashmiri Pandits’ rights. Why does a government that mourns our martyrs remain silent on our plight?” he said.The KP leader accused policymakers of “forgetting history” and “betraying the very principles of justice and human dignity”. “This isn’t just about homes or land; it’s about honour, respect, and redemption. If not now, then when?” he asked.Mahaldar called on every citizen and policymaker to remember their moral duty. “Justice for Kashmiri Pandits is not a choice; it is a duty. The longer we delay, the deeper the scar on Kashmir and on the conscience of our nation,” he said.The Kashmiri Pandit leader added, “Support the Bill. Demand action. Remember the words, but more importantly, demand the action. The time for promises has passed. Now is the time for justice.”
