The author explores the plight of non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits enduring political turmoil and conflict in Kashmir. Despite legal battles for employment opportunities, corruption diverts resources and the Indian government’s indifference and failure to provide security exacerbates their challenges in securing basic necessities while amplifying their vulnerability. Pandits face pressure to conform culturally and politically, risking their identity. Yet, they display resilience, striving to maintain dignity amid adversity, showcasing the enduring human spirit.
The non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits, who chose to stay back in the beautiful yet turbulent Kashmir Valley weathering massive political turmoil and protracted armed conflict over the last thirty-five years, face a plethora of difficulties exacerbated by an indifferent attitude towards their plight from the Government of India.
The challenges that the non-migrants face impact the fundamental issues of ‘Roti‘, ‘Kapda‘, and ‘Makaan‘, hitting the very core of their survival.
The turbulent political landscape in Kashmir has torn apart the once-cohesive fabric of its diverse ethnic communities, presenting Kashmiri Pandits with a host of difficult choices. As a marginalised religious minority, they frequently find themselves torn between conflicting political interests, pressured to pledge loyalty to the Indian Government while endeavouring to safeguard their cultural heritage amid challenging circumstances.
Presently, non-migrant Pandit’s very existence teeters on a precarious edge as they strive to navigate the delicate equilibrium between preserving a distinct ethnic and religious identity and securing survival within an environment that often feels forsaken.
One of the enduring concerns for non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits is the search for economic stability and employment opportunities. The Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS), that I head, fought a long legal battle before the High Court and was successful in getting the Kashmiri Migrant Employment Package norms modified. Though this led to the adding of 500 additional posts exclusively for young educated but unemployed youth from among the resident Kashmiri Pandit/Kashmiri Hindu Families, the powerful wheeler-dealers in the power corridors snatched these posts to distribute them among their well-wishers and followers.
While this manipulation is heartbreaking and demoralising, no one is even willing to listen to the fraud perpetrated against the hapless non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits/Hindus living in Kashmir. Political turmoil has damaged the region’s economy so much that the employment avenues have shrunk, affecting their livelihoods. Many among the non-migrants are in peril due to economic distress.
Thus, the search for ‘Roti‘ is far more than a mere survival issue; it is an ongoing war against the forces hell-bent on perpetuating the political and economic disempowerment of the resident Kashmiri Pandits/Hindus. Conventional job paths have frequently failed because of the upheavals caused by political turmoil and the armed conflict, pulling many to despair and deprivation.
The lack of financial support for the non-migrant Pandits from the Indian government further exacerbates their financial distress and uncertainties.
The struggle for ‘Roti‘ symbolizes their determination to secure sustenance and a dignified means of earning a livelihood amid economic uncertainties aggravated by political instability.
Surprisingly, some politically powerful organizations urge the Kashmiri Pandit community to make sacrifices that not only transcend material or financial considerations but also hit the very root of their identity. The demand on non-migrant Pandits is that they should be ready to relinquish traditions and principles in exchange for a more harmonious existence in the valley.
Striving for a unified narrative, the Indian government consistently places the onus on the non-migrant Pandits to alter, blend, and dilute their distinctive cultural identity, purportedly in the interest of political stability.
The quest for ‘Kapda’ embodies a profound aspiration for prosperity and cultural identity preservation. Non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits, deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, grapple with the challenge of upholding age-old traditions amidst political tumult. Their pursuit of ‘Kapda‘ transforms into a poignant act of defiance against external pressures seeking to erode the intricate fabric of their cultural identity. The lack of targeted assistance intensifies the challenges faced by non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits residing in the valley, who must navigate the delicate balance of preserving their traditional identity while accommodating the shifting dynamics imposed by external forces.
‘Makaan‘ [or physical security] holds diverse connotations for those opting to remain in the Kashmir Valley. Given the region’s volatile texture, the safety and security of the non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits within their residences is a lurking worry. Consequently, the specter of violence and the need for heightened security redefine the essence of ‘Makaan‘ for these mortals.
Beyond personal safety, the maintenance and preservation of ancestral homes pose significant challenges. Numerous dwellings, deserted during heightened tension, are silent witnesses to the community’s evolving circumstances. The struggle for ‘Makaan‘ is further complicated by the Indian state’s failure to provide comprehensive security and assistance for the upkeep of the property.
The absence of a robust plan to ensure the physical security of non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits and their residences leaves them vulnerable to the intricate political dynamics of the region, perpetuating ongoing security apprehensions.
With rational assistance lacking from the Government of India and the absence of support structures, non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits navigate the arduous challenges mainly on their own. Their resilience showcases the indomitable human spirit’s capacity to endure and adapt to adversity.
The pursuit of ‘Roti‘ epitomizes their dedication to securing sustenance and a dignified livelihood amidst economic uncertainty heightened by political instability. The search for ‘Kapda‘ symbolizes their determination to preserve cultural identity and customs despite decreasing political turmoil. Non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits reinforce their cultural roots to secure the wealth indicated by ‘Kapda’, resisting the homogenising impacts of external forces.
‘Makaan’, on the other hand, symbolising security, encapsulates their shared longing for a stable and tranquil life. It transcends mere physical buildings, encompassing the emotional ties to ancestral homes and endeavouring to uphold a sense of continuity amid the upheavals wrought by armed conflict and political strife.
The non-migrant Pandits of Kashmir stand resolute in confronting daunting political hurdles and threats to their security. Their mission is remarkable, fueled by a determination that transcends the Government of India’s lack of rationale.
They epitomise the unwavering tenacity of the human spirit as they surmount obstacles to secure basic necessities such as ‘Roti’, ‘Kapda’, and ‘Makaan‘ steadfastly preserving their individuality and dignity amidst profound adversity.
*Sanjay K. Tickoo is the President of Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS)
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