Conservative MP Bob Blackman has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to mark the 35th anniversary of the coordinated attacks on the minority Hindu population of Kashmir valley. The motion condemns the atrocities committed against the Kashmiri Pandit community and calls on the UK and Indian governments to recognize and acknowledge the genocide. It also urges the UK government to commemorate January 19 as Kashmiri Pandit Exodus Day. The motion has no supporting signatures as of now, making the first six MPs supporting the motion its sponsors.
Kashmiri Pandit Exodus: A History of Trauma and Diaspora
The Kashmiri Pandit exodus refers to the displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community from their ancestral homeland in the Kashmir Valley, following a series of coordinated attacks and persecution by Islamic militants in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Background
Kashmiri Pandits, a Hindu minority in a predominantly Muslim Kashmir, have a rich history and cultural heritage in the region. However, tensions between the two communities escalated in the 1980s with the rise of separatist and militant movements seeking the independence of Kashmir from India.
In 1989, armed militants launched an offensive against Indian forces in Kashmir, triggering a violent campaign of intimidation and violence against Kashmiri Pandits. They were targeted for their religious identity, their role in supporting Indian rule, and their economic success.
Exodus and Persecution
In January 1990, a coordinated attack on the Pandit community forced thousands to flee their homes and seek refuge in safer areas. Over 200,000 Pandits were displaced within a few months, becoming one of the largest refugee populations in South Asia.
The militants engaged in systematic persecution, including killings, kidnappings, and extortion. Pandit homes and temples were vandalized and torched. The community's economic base was destroyed, and they were subjected to psychological and social abuse.
Aftermath
The exodus had a devastating impact on the Kashmiri Pandit community. Many lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. The trauma of displacement and persecution continues to haunt them to this day.
While some Pandits have returned to Kashmir, the vast majority remain displaced in refugee camps in Jammu and other parts of India. They have struggled to rebuild their lives and regain their cultural identity.
International Recognition
The Kashmiri Pandit exodus has been widely condemned as an act of ethnic cleansing. In 2022, the United States Congress passed a resolution recognizing the exodus as genocide. Similar resolutions have been passed in the United Kingdom and other countries.
Top 5 FAQs:
When did the Kashmiri Pandit exodus take place?
Who was responsible for the attacks on Kashmiri Pandits?
How many Kashmiri Pandits were displaced?
Is the Kashmiri Pandit community still displaced?
Has there been any progress towards resolving the issue?
In a latest episode of the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, both sides made serious allegations against each other. According to Pakistan, 25 of its drones were shot down by India overnight, while India claims to have neutralized several drones and missiles from Pakistan. The causes of the clash, which resulted in the deaths of 31 people in Pakistan and 16 civilians in India, are disputed by both sides. The region of Kashmir is at the center of this conflict, with both India and Pakistan claiming it in full and experiencing a decades-long insurgency. This border skirmish has escalated tensions even further between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Amid reported drone explosions and downed drones, the US Consulate in Lahore has instructed its personnel to shelter-in-place for safety. Initial reports also suggest that authorities may be evacuating adjacent areas to the Lahore airport. The Consulate has advised American citizens to leave the area while news agency PTI reports that four drones have hit the Lahore cantonment area. In response, Pakistan Army has opened fire and played a siren, causing panic among residents. More updates to follow.
In a major victory for India's armed forces, they successfully targeted and destroyed a critical communication setup of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad in Pakistan. The site, located in the Sarjal village, was a vital link for communication between infiltrated terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and their handlers across the border. The communication equipment, including high-tech LoRA Ultra Sets and Digital Mobile Radios, were supplied by the Pakistani Army and Inter Services Intelligence to bypass traditional networks and evade detection. With this strike, India has disrupted the terrorists' ability to coordinate and plan attacks, enhancing the security of the region.
In response to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, the Indian government has taken strict measures to block Pakistani YouTube channels and accounts spreading disinformation and fake news. This includes the Indian YouTube channel '4 PM', which was reporting on the Pahalgam attack, and the X account of Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. The move comes after several top news channels in Pakistan were also banned for disseminating provocative and misleading content regarding the attack.
Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Pakistan's Army spokesperson announced at a press conference that they had shot down 12 Indian Harop drones. These loitering munition drones, equipped with advanced technology, are capable of detecting and destroying high-value military targets. Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, the drones have been imported by India over the past decade, making the situation even more alarming for the two neighbouring countries.
The already tense situation between India and Pakistan has escalated even further following a suspicious drone incident near the border in Gujarat. The police and Air Force are investigating the incident while security remains on high alert. This incident comes after Indian missile strikes on nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and POK, resulting in reported deaths. As tensions continue to rise, border residents are being evacuated and the Indian Army is launching a strong counteroffensive.
Outrage has erupted online after Azerbaijan and Turkey spoke out against India's strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. Indian entrepreneurs, financial analysts, and social media users are calling for a boycott of tourism to Baku and Turkey in response. The hashtag 'Boycott Baku' has been trending as Indians urge their fellow citizens to show their power by withholding economic engagement with nations that align with Pakistan.
Residents of Amritsar, a city in India located on the border with Pakistan, are seen calmly enjoying their morning tea despite the ongoing tension between the two countries. Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla and former Senior Deputy Mayor Raman Bakshi assert that people of Amritsar are united with the Indian Army in the face of the conflict. However, former MLA Sunil Dutti urges people not to panic and to stick together in these uncertain times.
A 25-minute strike, known as Operation Sindoor, was conducted by the Indian military in retaliation to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Utilizing advanced weapons and drones, multiple terror camps in Pakistan were targeted, showcasing India's enhanced military capabilities. The success of the precise operation was captured as evidence and sent a strong message against terror attacks from the neighboring country. This marks a significant milestone in India's narrative journalism in showcasing their military prowess.
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, observed annually on May 8, pays tribute to the dedication of volunteers and staff in promoting the principles of the global movement, founded by Henry Dunant. This day serves as a reminder to uphold human values and spread peace and hope amidst growing inequality, health crises, and global unrest. The theme for this year, "Keeping Humanity Alive", highlights the importance of compassionate and solidarity in responding to natural disasters, conflicts, and health emergencies.