Kashmiri Pandits vote for safe return to Valley

Despite a hot weather, Kashmiri Pandits from Srinagar constituency flocked to special polling stations in Jammu on Monday and voted for the rehabilitation of their community on “social, economic, and political” fronts.

The community, which was forced to flee from the valley in the early 90s under fear of militancy, demanded their permanent return and rehabilitation with guarantee of peace and security.

Kashmiri Pandits lined up in long queues amid tight security to cast their ballots in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

“I have voted for our permanent return to Kashmir valley in an atmosphere of peace and security. We have been waiting for the past 34 years to live in the valley. We hope this dream of ours will materialise now,” Om Prakash, who was carried on a wheelchair from his quarters in the Jagti migrant camp, said.

Forced to migrate with his family from the Pulwama area at the age of 47, Om Prakash said a return is needed to preserve the ancient civilization of Pandits in the valley. “It is a human issue, not a political issue.”

Surinder Dhar, who cast his vote along with his wife at the Jagti polling station, said the community votes every time for a return to the valley but there has been no justice yet.

Joyti Bhat said, “Every time, we vote with the hope of returning to our Kashmiri homes … This time too we voted demanding justice. We want our township in Kashmir.”

Anurodh Kaul, a first-time voter, expressed concern over the brain drain in the region and demanded restoration of peace in the valley so that youths don't feel the need to escape.

“We voted to urge the government to take such steps promptly so that the community returns and grows back with peace and our civilization is saved. They should also ensure economic and political empowerment and create job opportunities in the valley,” Anurodh said.

Most of the Kashmiri Pandits said they have seen a change for good in the valley, which is seeing fewer militants and more tourists now.

“We have not received much from this government as a community. But we are happy to see Kashmir changing from the home of terrorism to a paradise for tourism for some time now. We hope that terrorism will be completely eradicated,” said Karan Zutshi.

On the other hand, scores of Kashmiri Pandits were also unable to vote because their names were missing from the electoral rolls.