Filmmaker Ashok Pandit turned the spotlight back on a painful scar of history this week, marking 36 years since Kashmiri Pandits were driven out of their homeland. Posting a raw, emotional video on Instagram, he directly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for immediate intervention in their rehabilitation.
Recalling the terror of 1990, Pandit described how on the night of January 18-19, power was snapped across the Kashmir Valley save for mosques broadcasting death threats against Hindus. ‘We were told to convert, leave, or die,’ he shared, painting a vivid picture of the genocide-like atmosphere that forced mass migration.
Decades on, the community remains stateless in India. Pandit slammed the absence of political will, pointing out that Jagti Camp in Jammu—home to thousands—has never seen a visit from top leaders. Residents there battle subhuman living standards, lacking even essentials like clean water and proper shelter.
His key demand: Establish a high-powered committee of senior officials to tour the camps, gauge requirements, and fast-track facilities for a respectable life. ‘Kashmiri Pandits have waited patiently for justice and ghar wapasi (return home). It’s time to act,’ he asserted.
The exodus, fueled by Islamist insurgency, saw families abandon everything overnight. Government efforts like job quotas have been criticized as inadequate. Pandit’s post has gone viral, reigniting debates on minority rights and national integration.
This anniversary serves as a stark reminder of unresolved grievances. As voices grow louder, the onus is on policymakers to convert promises into reality, ensuring Kashmiri Pandits reclaim their heritage without fear.