The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) unit focused on Kashmiri Pandit affairs in the valley has intensified its efforts to address critical issues facing the community, particularly concerning the alleged encroachment of their properties and the welfare of displaced employees. In a series of meetings held across several districts, the party’s representatives engaged with local administrations, pressing for the swift removal of illegal occupations and the establishment of dedicated channels for grievance redressal.
The BJP’s Kashmir Displaced District (KDD) unit, led by its president Rajeev Pandita, met with deputy commissioners and senior revenue officials in various districts, including Anantnag, Kupwara, and Baramulla. These discussions aimed to resolve long-standing concerns affecting both displaced and non-displaced Kashmiri Pandits residing in the region. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the party is committed to safeguarding the rights, properties, and overall welfare of the Kashmiri Pandit community, a commitment reiterated in a recent statement by the KDD unit.
During the meetings, significant emphasis was placed on the alleged encroachments affecting residential, agricultural, and religious properties belonging to Kashmiri Pandits. The delegation also highlighted the welfare measures in place for employees engaged under the Prime Minister’s Package and other issues impacting the community’s presence in the Valley. These engagements are a continuation of previous dialogues, underscoring the persistent nature of these challenges and the administration’s ongoing role in finding solutions.
In Anantnag, Rajeev Pandita specifically requested the Anantnag Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, to facilitate a separate and more secure access road to the Machbhawan transit accommodation, which houses employees under the Prime Minister’s Package. Furthermore, Pandita submitted applications detailing specific encroachment cases and urged the administration to ensure adequate arrangements for the upcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela at Logripora in Ashmuqam. A key demand was the establishment of a dedicated grievance redressal camp for the Prime Minister’s Package employees in Anantnag, a request to which the district administration assured prompt action, with plans for such a camp to be organized shortly.
The situation in Kupwara was also a focal point, where the BJP leader engaged with Deputy Commissioner Shrikant Balasaheb Suse and Assistant Commissioner Revenue Mumtaz Ahmad. The discussion centered on the protracted issue of compensation and land allotment for Kashmiri Pandit families in Tikker, whose lands have reportedly been under the occupation of various government departments since 1990. The BJP reported that the district administration acknowledged the matter and issued directives for its resolution. Pandita, accompanied by affected families and revenue officials, also visited a site identified for potential land allotment.
Beyond residential and agricultural lands, the delegation also raised concerns regarding the protection of temple lands at Langet and Sadhu Ganga Asthapan Kandi. The need for renovation and reconstruction of the historic Chandi Mata Mandir in Lolab was also brought to the fore. Preparations for devotees attending the upcoming Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela at Tikker were also part of the agenda.
In Baramulla, Deputy Commissioner Syed Fakhrudin Hamid was apprised of the necessity for renovating, reconstructing, and removing encroachments from five ancient temples located in the Bomai-Idipora area of Tehsil Zangeer. Discussions with Tehsildar Zangeer Zahid Rashid followed, with the official assuring swift action on the issues presented by the BJP delegation. The party also used these meetings to discuss broader welfare, security, and rehabilitation concerns for both Prime Minister’s Package employees and non-displaced Kashmiri Pandits across the Valley, emphasizing the need for sustained administrative support and confidence-building measures.
Speaking to reporters following these engagements, Pandita characterized the series of meetings as a significant stride towards ensuring justice for the Kashmiri Pandit community and preserving its rich religious and cultural heritage. He underscored that the protection of community assets, the retrieval of illegally occupied properties, the preservation of temples and shrines, and the assurance of safety and welfare for Kashmiri Pandits remain paramount priorities for the BJP.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.