Mumbai, January 19: On the 36th anniversary of the tragic exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir Valley, filmmaker and activist Ashok Pandit has made a heartfelt plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a poignant video shared on Instagram, Pandit recounted the harrowing events of January 18-19, 1990, when terror gripped the valley.
Electricity was cut off everywhere except mosques, from where inflammatory messages blared, threatening the lives of Kashmiri Hindus. ‘The darkness that descended that night still haunts us,’ Pandit said, his voice heavy with emotion. He highlighted how thousands of families were forced to flee their ancestral homes amid rising militancy and targeted killings.
Today, 36 years later, Kashmiri Pandits continue to live as refugees in their own country. Pandit expressed deep frustration over the lack of a concrete rehabilitation plan. ‘No major political leader has visited Jagti Camp in Jammu, the largest refugee settlement where families endure deplorable conditions without basic amenities,’ he noted.
In his appeal to PM Modi, Pandit called for the formation of a high-level committee comprising senior leaders to assess the ground realities. ‘This committee should visit Jagti Camp, evaluate the needs of this peaceful community struggling for decades, and ensure dignified living conditions,’ he urged. He emphasized that Kashmiri Pandits’ opinions are rarely considered in key decisions affecting their future.
The 1990 exodus remains a dark chapter in India’s history, triggered by separatist violence that displaced over 100,000 Pandits. While some government schemes exist, activists like Pandit argue they fall short. His video has sparked renewed discussions on social media, with many echoing calls for justice and safe return.
As the nation reflects on this anniversary, Pandit’s plea underscores the urgent need for action. Will the government heed this cry for homecoming and restoration of a displaced community’s rights? The Kashmiri Pandits await not just rehabilitation, but true justice.