KL Report
SRINAGAR
At a day long Round Table Conference on the return of Kashmiri Pandits that Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS) held, following things were resolved:
1. Kashmiri Pandits are part of the pluralistic society of Kashmir. Muslims and Pandits are the representation of the historical and cultural ethos of Jammu and Kashmir.
2. The migration of Pandits from Kashmir in early nineties was a historical tragedy especially for social fabric of Kashmir. What happened in 1990’ which led to the migration of Pundits as well as Muslims is a result of factors and forces over which the Muslim community as a whole had no control. This will remain an aberration in the otherwise golden era of their peaceful co-existence and syncretic culture.
An international Truth Commission should be established to enquire into the causes of said migration.
3. Voices were also raised to call upon the government of the day to enquire into the circumstances leading to the ex-filtration of young boys to PAK.
2. Pundits and Muslims have been like siblings who have grown together, lived together and have shared each other’s joys and sorrows. For peaceful and brotherly co-existence there has to be a mutual acknowledgement of each others’ concerns and sufferings.
4. The return of Kashmiri migrant Pandits lies in their settlement in the neighbourhood of their respective towns and villages. The proposed colonies for resettlement of Pandits will lead to balkanising Kashmir Society along communal lines and therefore must be resisted by the communities very strongly. It seems to be a political conspiracy and not imbued with the sense of concern of dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
5. There is a dire need for exploration of commonalities for reconstruction of social fabric.
6. Any return and rehabilitation package has to be holistic and inclusive because more than 50000 Kashmiri Muslims have also been displaced and depopulated by continuous shelling on the border in 90’ and they are also living in most abject conditions in Muzaffarabad and other adjacent areas across LOC. The rehabilitation should necessarily cover these hapless people as well who are yearning to return to their homes.
7. The concerns of Kashmiri Pandits who have stayed back in the valley braving all the hardships should be equally addressed without any selective approach.
The RTC was presided over by Prof Hameeda Nayeem and was attended by a cross section of the society including leaders of the KPs who are staying put in Kashmir, a spokesman of the organizers said.
