Nasir Aslam Wani, an advisor to the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, has urged the revival of a key committee tasked with overseeing the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. The call comes as the administration seeks to address the long-standing issue of displacement and foster a sense of inclusivity in the valley.
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the apex committee, originally established in 2009 under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was instrumental in facilitating the return and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. This body comprised representatives from the government and various Kashmiri Pandit organizations, aiming to monitor the implementation of rehabilitation measures announced by the central government. The committee, however, was disbanded in 2014, leaving a void in the coordinated efforts for the community’s return.
Addressing an event attended by Kashmiri Pandits residing overseas, Wani emphasized the need for direct dialogue and collaboration. He stated that while such gatherings are valuable, a more structured approach is required. “This conclave is fine, but beyond it, we have to sit together and talk,” Wani remarked, highlighting the necessity for representatives from both sides to engage in discussions to devise a pathway for the Kashmiri Pandits’ return. He further articulated that at the governmental level, there is a clear imperative to reinstate the apex committee.
The advisor underscored that the revival of this committee is crucial for developing a comprehensive roadmap that ensures a safe and dignified return for the Kashmiri Pandits to their ancestral homeland. “The committee will talk to your community and take decisions,” Wani assured, adding that the administration intends to approach the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor to expedite the reconstitution of the committee. He acknowledged the profound impact of the militancy that erupted in the valley in 1990, noting that it affected not only the Kashmiri Pandit community but also the Muslim population.
“The storm of 1990 impacted all. It affected both the communities and the resolution will also come together,” Wani asserted, advocating for a unified approach to resolving the lingering issues. He recognized the existence of individuals who may not desire peace, referencing historical disagreements such as the 1947 accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India. However, he cautioned against broad generalizations, stating, “You cannot make sweeping accusations on everyone. There are people whose hearts used to beat for you then and still do now.” He poetically added, “This valley of saints is incomplete till Pandits return,” underscoring the cultural and social significance of their presence.
Wani detailed the government’s past efforts to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits, citing initiatives such as rehabilitation programs, the Prime Minister’s package, and the provision of transit camps and temporary accommodation. He admitted that while efforts were made, mistakes may have occurred, but stressed that attempts were also made to rectify them. “If you got pricked by a thorn, we also felt that pain,” he conveyed, suggesting a shared sense of empathy and a recognition of the difficulties faced by the community.
He strongly advocated against a blame game, asserting that it would not yield constructive results. “Whatever attempts we make, whether dialogue or constituting committees, unless our Kashmiri Pandit brothers settle back in the valley, everything is incomplete,” Wani stated. He reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts to achieve this goal, emphasizing that continued recrimination would hinder progress. “Much time has passed and we cannot reach a resolution if we continue the blame game even today,” he concluded, signaling a commitment to moving forward constructively.
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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