Srinagar, August 24: Ashok Koul, the General Secretary (Organization) of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized on Monday that the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley should focus on rebuilding trust and strengthening brotherhood among different communities, rather than solely addressing targeted killings.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Koul described the return of Kashmiri Pandits as a positive development, highlighting the urgent need to enhance communal harmony and social unity in Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is encouraging to see Kashmiri Pandits returning to the valley and reconnecting with their ancestral roots,” he stated.
Addressing the recent targeted killings in southern Kashmir districts, Koul remarked that such incidents are not confined to any specific area, asserting that similar events occur in various parts of the world. He acknowledged that there is no place where complete security can be guaranteed.
Koul noted that Kashmiri Pandits will face challenges and struggles as they return and attempt to restart their lives in the valley. “Targeted killings will not stop, and it is essential to foster brotherhood,” he stressed, underscoring the need to promote social harmony.
Regarding the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, Koul pointed out that they had left the valley even before the arrival of then-Governor Jagmohan, accusing certain individuals in Kashmir of supporting external forces that exacerbated the situation.
He asserted that efforts to strengthen brotherhood among different communities are crucial for creating a conducive environment for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
The mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s was driven by serious threats from Pakistan-backed terrorists, forcing the community to abandon their properties, livelihoods, and everything they owned, often escaping with their lives.
For the past 37 years, Kashmiri Pandits have lived as refugees in their own country. However, due to their courage, determination, and education, they have established themselves in various parts of the country and abroad.
As the saying goes, you can take a Kashmiri Pandit out of Kashmir, but you can never take Kashmir out of a Kashmiri Pandit.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.