Panun Kashmir, an organization advocating for a separate homeland for displaced Kashmiri Pandits, has announced plans to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20. This demonstration is intended to press their long-standing demand for a distinct territory within the Kashmir region, aiming to ensure the secure, dignified, and sustainable resettlement of the community. The announcement comes as the National Conference is also preparing to hold its own protest at the same venue.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the organization convened a meeting on Sunday to finalize the logistical arrangements for the upcoming protest in the national capital. Central office-bearers, state coordinators, and volunteers reportedly attended the review meeting, which focused on critical aspects such as transportation, accommodation, security coordination, media outreach, and participant facilitation. The leadership emphasized that the mobilization efforts would be conducted in a disciplined and constitutionally compliant manner.
During the gathering, Panun Kashmir chairman Tito Ganju articulated the organization’s perspective, stating that the issue of the “genocide and exile” of Kashmiri Hindus has been overlooked by the political establishment for the past 36 years. Ganju was quoted by the source as saying, “The organisation is marching to Jantar Mantar to tell Parliament loud and clear that justice must come first.” He further asserted that the nation cannot continue to disregard the plight of Kashmiri Pandits while engaging in debates surrounding the constitutional and political matters pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. Ganju stressed that a lasting political resolution for the region is unattainable without addressing accountability for the exodus that occurred in 1990.
The demand for a separate homeland, as reiterated by Ganju, is seen by Panun Kashmir as essential for the secure, dignified, and sustainable resettlement of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. The organization also seeks their full integration within the country’s constitutional and democratic framework. Ganju made an appeal to the younger generation of the displaced community to participate in large numbers and exercise their democratic right to peaceful protest. Panun Kashmir convenor Dr. Agnishekhar described the proposed demonstration as a democratic endeavor to reintroduce the unresolved issues of Kashmiri Pandits into the national discourse. He extended an appeal to all citizens who are committed to historical truth and human rights to join the protest in solidarity.
General Secretary Kuldeep Raina reportedly informed the executive body that volunteer committees have been established across various states to coordinate reception, transportation, and participant assistance for the event. The organization’s sustained campaign for a separate homeland has been ongoing for decades, with this upcoming protest marking a significant effort to bring their demands to the forefront of national attention. The context of the protest also highlights the ongoing political and social complexities surrounding the region of Jammu and Kashmir and the aspirations of its various communities.
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.
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