In an exclusive interview, socio-political activist Sanjay Tickoo shares his views on the current state of Kashmiri Pandits and their rights in the upcoming Indian elections. As a Kashmiri Pandit himself who chose to stay in the Valley during the peak of terrorism, he sheds light on the struggles and issues faced by the community, including the lack of mention of their rehabilitation in the BJP manifesto. Tickoo's perspective offers a rare insight into the life of Kashmiri Pandits who stayed behind.
Kashmiri Pandits: A Community in Peril
Kashmiri Pandits, an ancient Hindu community native to the Kashmir Valley, have faced relentless persecution and displacement throughout history.
Exodus and Return
In 1990, a wave of violence erupted in Kashmir, targeting Kashmiri Pandits. Over 400,000 members of the community were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in other parts of India. Despite initiatives by successive governments to facilitate their return, the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits has faced significant challenges.
Lack of Rehabilitation
The lack of specific mention of Kashmiri Pandit rehabilitation in the BJP's 2023 election manifesto has raised concerns within the community. Sanjay Tickoo, a Kashmiri Pandit activist who chose to remain in the Valley during the peak of terrorism, has lamented this omission.
Ongoing Struggles
Despite some progress in recent years, Kashmiri Pandits still face numerous obstacles. Targeted killings, threats, and mistrust create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. The government's efforts to provide housing and employment opportunities have fallen short of meeting their needs.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why were Kashmiri Pandits forced to flee in 1990?
They were targeted by Islamist militants who demanded their conversion or expulsion from Kashmir.
2. How many Kashmiri Pandits were displaced?
Over 400,000 members of the community were forced to flee.
3. Have any Kashmiri Pandits returned to the Valley?
Some have returned, but the process has been slow and fraught with challenges.
4. What role has the government played in the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits?
Successive governments have implemented policies aimed at their return, but these efforts have faced difficulties.
5. Why is the lack of rehabilitation mentioned in the BJP's manifesto a concern?
It has raised worries that the government may not be prioritizing their needs and rights.
Conclusion
The plight of Kashmiri Pandits is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by minority communities in conflict-ridden regions. The ongoing struggle for their rights and rehabilitation underscore the need for continued support and attention from all stakeholders involved. Only through dialogue, reconciliation, and comprehensive policies can the wounds of the past be healed and a just and equitable future ensured for the Kashmiri Pandit community.
The Indian National Congress (INC) has announced its plans to launch a month-and-a-half-long campaign in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22. The purpose of the campaign is to demand the restoration of statehood and to further the “Save the Constitution” movement. With the recent appointment of Syed Naseer Hussain as the new J&K in-charge, the party hopes to regain its lost support in the Union Territory. This campaign comes at a crucial time, as former supporters of the Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad have recently dissolved their party, raising questions about their political future. The Congress hopes to use this opportunity to highlight the BJP's failures in empowering elected governments and its betrayal over statehood.
Thousands of citizens in Pune are rallying together through an online petition to demand the protection of their city's hills and hill slopes from any construction. The petition is addressed to the former Pune Municipal Commissioner and Chairman of the state-appointed Committee on Bio-Diversity Park and Hill Top Hill Slopes. The citizens are concerned that the committee's review may result in allowing construction on the hills, while strict measures have already been mandated by the government to prevent it. The citizens stress the importance of preserving these natural areas for the city's ecological balance and urge the government to uphold its promise to future generations.
After the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. This decision was made during a key meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with discussions on potential actions being taken against Pakistan. As tensions between the two countries continue to escalate, Indian leaders have condemned Pakistan for their involvement in the attack and have vowed to take strong measures in response.
The Indian Army made its first major move since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, as they killed top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Altaf Lalli in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district. The security forces are on the hunt for the terrorists responsible for the brutal killing of 26 civilians and have launched a massive anti-terror operation. In other developments, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited Srinagar for a security review meeting and the authorities demolished the houses of two suspected terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack.
In a hearing at the Supreme Court, the bench rebuked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his "irresponsible" comments about freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The judges highlighted the need to show respect for India's freedom fighters and questioned whether Gandhi was aware of his grandmother and Mahatma Gandhi praising Savarkar. The court also stayed an Allahabad High Court order that refused to dismiss a lower court's summons against Gandhi over his alleged remarks about Savarkar.
The Supreme Court has stepped in to warn Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his comments about India's independence activist Veer Savarkar, staying a trial court's summons to the politician. The top court emphasized that Savarkar is a highly respected figure in Maharashtra and stated that no one would be allowed to make derogatory remarks about freedom fighters. The court also pointed out that Gandhi's family has had a history of praising Savarkar and Gandhi himself has been warned that the court will take suo motu cognizance of any such remarks. Additionally, the article also mentions an attack in Jammu and Kashmir that has led to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan.
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The Telangana-Chhattisgarh border is a hotbed of tension as security forces step up their efforts to root out Maoist activity from the region. Top Maoist leader Hidma is the target of current high-security operations, with forces strategically advancing through previously inaccessible areas. With mounting pressure, sources indicate that the hold of the Maoists in the region is gradually weakening, making for a tense and critical situation.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of a terror attack in Pahalgam, security forces are undertaking a massive operation in the dense Karregutta hills forest to eliminate the heart of Naxal command. This operation, involving 7,000 personnel and cutting-edge technology, aims to strike a blow at Naxalism by targeting top leaders of the PLGA Battalion No. 1. This bold move by the CRPF, with the Director General personally overseeing the operation, marks a turning point in the fight against Maoist insurgency. With five Naxals already killed and more likely to come, the operation is being hailed as a decisive victory and could potentially spell the end of Naxalism in India.
The US Government has publicly criticized The New York Times for its reporting on the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, calling attention to the difference between the newspaper's use of "militant" instead of "terrorist." This choice of words is not only misleading but also minimizes the severity of the attack, which was claimed by a Pakistan-based group with links to Lashkar-e-Taiba. The US House Foreign Affairs Committee took to social media to point out the error and highlight the real nature of the attack, noting that it has significant implications for regional security.