Opinion | Resettlement of Kashmiri Pandit employees.

They need to help their 90s-born youth understand their motherland, as they are currently unwilling to stay in the valley due to reasons such as segregation and long separation from their homeland. The young generation born in the 90s should visit their places of both religion and culture so that their inspiration and love for the valley can be regenerated.

Out of the six thousand Kashmiri PM package, a significant majority are engaged in government positions as part of the rehabilitation efforts for Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley. These individuals are serving in various districts across the Kashmir Valley. The primary objective of the PM Package was to facilitate the resettlement and rehabilitation of migrants in Kashmir. To achieve this goal, the government has undertaken the construction of separate colonies to aid in the revival of these individuals in their ancestral homeland.
Certainly, Pandit employees faced life-threatening and targeted killings, but the environment has changed significantly now. They have been provided safety and security with cordial coordination by the government and the Muslim community. Providing individual security is impossible, but planning their permanent return is the need of the hour. This process may take years, and the Pandit community needs to take the lead in orchestrating their resettlement. They need to help their 90s-born youth understand their motherland, as they are currently unwilling to stay in the valley due to reasons such as segregation and long separation from their homeland. The young generation born in the 90s should visit their places of both religion and culture so that their inspiration and love for the valley can be regenerated.
Various efforts have been made to bring back the Pandit community to the valley. However, before their return, it’s crucial to focus on steps that would encourage their willingness to come back and alleviate any fears they might have. A sustainable resettlement policy is essential for this purpose.
Firstly, the community’s willingness is paramount. Efforts should be made to address their concerns. Basic training on inter-communal dialogue, tolerance, and peace-building should be provided to field functionaries, like Patwaris and VLWs, who can then promote these values at the grassroots level.
Secondly, initiating an inter-communal dialogue involving the Muslim community, especially the youth, is essential. Creating an ecosystem that fosters the resettlement of Pandit brethren and ensures their safety is crucial. Events promoting dialogue, tolerance, and mutual understanding between the communities should be conducted to create a conducive atmosphere.
Thirdly, involving local Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) is crucial. As local representatives, they can provide support at the community level. Immediate discussions with all local PRIs should be held to seek their assistance in the resettlement process.
Fourth, bridging the gap with the younger generation is essential. Encouraging visits to the valley and facilitating dialogue between the younger generations can help overcome the distrust that has developed over the past three decades.
Fifth, organizing frequent tours and events at the religious places of Pandit people can help reconnect them with their roots. Creating forums and associations for Pandit brothers to engage with existing groups in the Muslim community can foster social integration.
Sixth, their birthplaces need to be rebuilt. Typically, they lived together in a specific area of a village. Their religious places require renovation, and most importantly, their security and safety must be ensured. This can only happen when they reside alongside common Kashmiris, making friends, seeking employment, and taking advantage of the special package provided to them for the opportunity to reintegrate into the valley. The government has taken significant steps for their rehabilitation in the valley.
The government should spearhead a civilian movement for the return of the Kashmiri Pandits, and the Pandit community needs to actively re-establish coordination and cooperation with the local people. The government’s ongoing efforts for rehabilitation since 2010 should persist, involving input from the general public and intellectuals to guarantee the successful and willing return of the Kashmiri Pandits. Common people are eagerly awaiting the return of their Pandit brethren and have shown support, ready to assist in any way in the future..
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The views expressed in the piece are the writer’s personal opinions. Global Kashmir News does not endorse any individual’s personal viewpoint.