Kupwara, August 2: The return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland is being viewed as a sign of changing times in the valley. Following the abrogation of Article 370, several displaced families have stepped back into the region. Community members express that the conditions are no longer the same as before, and there is a growing hope for the future.
One Kashmiri Pandit, whose family left Kashmir during the exodus in 1990 and lived in Jammu for decades, stated, “We left here in the 1990s and settled in Jammu, but our hearts have always remained connected to our home in Kashmir. After the removal of Article 370, we got the chance to return. The situation is not the same as before, and I believe there have been many positive changes with the new government. We are happy with the changes we see. Today, the conditions are different, and we feel a ray of hope.”
Local resident engineer Shahid ul Islam Wani supported the return of Kashmiri Pandits, saying, “The Kashmiri Pandit community has not only returned to Kupwara but is also working here as teachers, engineers, and clerks. This year, many people have come to visit their temples. We want more people to return. It brings us joy to see them in government offices. Although we did not experience that era ourselves, we have heard from our elders about the atmosphere of brotherhood that once existed here, and we truly miss it.”
Dr. Fida Hussain emphasized that such returns strengthen social harmony. He cited the example of a Kashmiri Pandit family opening a business outlet in Handwara, symbolizing growing trust and normalization. He said, “This is your home, your roots, your heritage. Everything you have is here. We urge all Kashmiri Pandits to return and be a part of Kashmir’s future.”
Many residents of Kupwara believe that the return of displaced families reflects the changes that have occurred in the valley since the abrogation of Article 370. Locals are now observing Kashmiri Pandits working in various sectors and government departments, leading to increased participation in public life.
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