Jammu, 17 September (H.S.):

With

the first phase of assembly elections set to be held on Wednesday in Jammu and

Kashmir, the Kashmiri Pandit community is raising urgent calls for action on

their long-standing issues of unemployment and housing.

Nearly 35 years after the mass exodus of 1990, many in the community feel that

political parties have repeatedly failed to address their concerns.

Babloo

Ji Butt, a representative voice of the community, expressed frustration over

the unmet promises of political leaders.

“For

Kashmiri Pandits, it feels like the old saying: ‘Hathi ke daant khane ke kuch

aur, dikhane ke aur.’ For decades, we have heard only lofty claims. We have

become accustomed to empty assurances, and it seems that political leaders see

us merely as voters,” Butt lamented.

Despite

the challenges, Butt emphasised that relationships between Kashmiri Pandits and

Muslim communities remain strong, even as many Pandits have settled outside the

region. “Home is still home,” he asserted.

He

highlighted the ongoing issues with the Prime Minister’s package, which

promised 6,000 jobs and construction of housing quarters for displaced Pandits.

While 2,500 quarters have been completed, another 2,500 remain unfinished after

four years, leaving many families in rented accommodations.

“If

the government truly wanted to bring us back, they could have done so within a

year,” he said, criticising both central and regional parties for their lack of

action.

Sunita

Bhan, another member of the community, echoed Butt’s sentiments, saying that

political leaders only remember Kashmiri Pandits during election season.

“If

they genuinely wanted to help us, initiatives could have been enacted much

earlier,” she said, pointing out that many children of Kashmiri Pandits have

left Jammu and Kashmir in search of better opportunities.

She

also criticised the inadequate salary of Rs 20,000 under the PM package,

calling for an increase to support families.

The

sentiments of disillusionment are shared by many in the community, who feel

overlooked once elections conclude. Yet, there remains hope among the younger

generation for a secular Kashmir where Hindus and Muslims coexist harmoniously.

Yatin

Pandita, another Kashmiri Pandit, emphasised the need for employment

opportunities and effective rehabilitation policies. “Development must

encompass all sectors, and the government should create jobs. Our youth deserve

platforms to showcase their talents,” he said, adding that many still live in

rented accommodations despite the promises made.

Srinagar

is set to go to the polls on September 25, with a total electorate of 7,74,462,

including 3,86,654 male voters, 3,87,778 female voters, and 30 individuals from

the third gender.

The

district comprises eight assembly constituencies: Hazratbal, Khanyar,

Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Chanapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, and Central Shalteng.

As

the elections draw near, the Kashmiri Pandit community remains hopeful that

their voices will be heard, and their demands for rehabilitation and employment

finally addressed.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar