In 1995, the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) in its historical full commission judgment, headed by former chief justice of India MN Venkatachaliah, held the systematic ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits by terrorists as an act of genocide.&nbsp;

Recently, on the recommendations of the state administration, the ministry of home affairs (MHA), while banning separatist outfits, described ethnic cleansing and the purge of Kashmiri Pandits as the principal reason for banning separatists and terror outfits operating in Kashmir.

The admission by the state government and MHA through the Union home secretary in public domain makes it obligatory for the state government to accede to the repeated demand for a thorough investigation by the Pandits. The exiled Kashmiri Pandits have called upon the government to appoint a high-level commission of inquiry.

There are very strong grounds to set up a commission of inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to be assisted by DGP, Director IB, Director CBI and DG NIA, to probe into murders, loot, rapes, forcible land and property grabbing of Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindu religious endowments across the Valley.

In Jammu and Kashmir, there are layer upon layers of distortions of history, self-serving myths and competing political interests. Peeling off these layers by revisiting history, without any prejudice, can only help in our search for a brighter tomorrow for Jammu and Kashmir.

The J&amp;K policy needs to combine between what the country pursues as domestic policy on one hand and the treatment of Indo-Pakistan relations as foreign policy, on the other.&nbsp;

The return of the exiled Pandits back to the Kashmir Valley with pride, is a matter of enforcing India’s Constitution in Kashmir, both nationally and at the global stage. It is important to restore and protect multiculturalism, plural ethos and the secular identity of India and the Jammu and Kashmir state.&nbsp;

Return, restitution and retention of exiled Pandits as a religious Hindu community, shall be the real test of the will of the central government and the governor’s administration.

No solution to Kashmir will make any headway unless the Pandits are rehabilitated, return to the Valley and are made part of the dialogue process as an important stakeholder.

It is the constitutional and political duty of the government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir government to repatriate the entire exiled Pandit community back to their homeland. &nbsp;It is also their duty to probe the reasons and circumstances of ethnic cleansing, fixing the responsibility for the killing of innocent citizens.&nbsp;

Governor Rule gives all statutory powers to the state government to do justice to this illustrious community, who are now living as refugees in their own country for the last 30 years.

It is hoped that the central government shall revisit its J&amp;K policy by demonstrating political will and large-heartedness in dealing with the Kashmir situation and liberally fund the return, rehabilitation and security of Kashmiri Pandits back in their homeland, which is the Kashmir Valley.

To quote what former Prime Minister IK Gujral once said, “For the illustrious Kashmiri Pandit community, which has contributed a great deal in shaping the nation building a democratic, progressive and secular India, if the coffers of the country are to be emptied for them, it would still be a small price to pay.”

It is important for the state governor to rise above civil service jargon while designing a package for the return of Kashmiri Pandits. It is also imperative to hold consultations with representatives of Kashmiri Pandits, so that all aspects are taken into account and the entire gamut of present and future problems analysed threadbare and in complete detail.

Kashmiri Pandits are a religious minority, which calls for due statutory recognition. The constitution of a state minority commission shall be a good step in this direction.

The MHA being the nodal ministry, shall start a structured dialogue with Pandits, for designing a comprehensive, time-bound package for return and rehabilitation. It shall not take more than two to three years for its implementation.

Pandits believe that if the exiled community is not repatriated back to their homeland with dignity and pride now, then it will never happen again.

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-time-for-kashmiri-pandits-to-come-back-home-with-dignity-2745347">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

In 1995, the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) in its historical full commission judgment, headed by former chief justice of India MN Venkatachaliah, held the systematic ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits by terrorists as an act of genocide.

In 1995, the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) in its historical full commission judgment, headed by former chief justice of India MN Venkatachaliah, held the systematic ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits by terrorists as an act of genocide. Recently, on the recommendations of the state administration, the ministry of home affairs (MHA), while banning separatist outfits, described ethnic cleansing and the purge of Kashmiri Pandits as the principal reason for banning separatists and terror outfits operating in Kashmir. The admission by the state government and MHA through the Union home secretary in public domain makes it obligatory for the state government to accede to the repeated demand for a thorough investigation by the Pandits. The exiled Kashmiri Pandits have called upon the government to appoint a high-level commission of inquiry. There are very strong grounds to set up a commission of inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to be assisted by DGP, Director IB, Director CBI and DG NIA, to probe into murders, loot, rapes, forcible land and property grabbing of Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindu religious endowments across the Valley. In Jammu and Kashmir, there are layer upon layers of distortions of history, self-serving myths and competing political interests. Peeling off these layers by revisiting history, without any prejudice, can only help in our search for a brighter tomorrow for Jammu and Kashmir. The J&K policy needs to combine between what the country pursues as domestic policy on one hand and the treatment of Indo-Pakistan relations as foreign policy, on the other. The return of the exiled Pandits back to the Kashmir Valley with pride, is a matter of enforcing India’s Constitution in Kashmir, both nationally and at the global stage. It is important to restore and protect multiculturalism, plural ethos and the secular identity of India and the Jammu and Kashmir state. Return, restitution and retention of exiled Pandits as a religious Hindu community, shall be the real test of the will of the central government and the governor’s administration. No solution to Kashmir will make any headway unless the Pandits are rehabilitated, return to the Valley and are made part of the dialogue process as an important stakeholder. It is the constitutional and political duty of the government of India and the Jammu and Kashmir government to repatriate the entire exiled Pandit community back to their homeland. It is also their duty to probe the reasons and circumstances of ethnic cleansing, fixing the responsibility for the killing of innocent citizens. Governor Rule gives all statutory powers to the state government to do justice to this illustrious community, who are now living as refugees in their own country for the last 30 years. It is hoped that the central government shall revisit its J&K policy by demonstrating political will and large-heartedness in dealing with the Kashmir situation and liberally fund the return, rehabilitation and security of Kashmiri Pandits back in their homeland, which is the Kashmir Valley. To quote what former Prime Minister IK Gujral once said, “For the illustrious Kashmiri Pandit community, which has contributed a great deal in shaping the nation building a democratic, progressive and secular India, if the coffers of the country are to be emptied for them, it would still be a small price to pay.” It is important for the state governor to rise above civil service jargon while designing a package for the return of Kashmiri Pandits. It is also imperative to hold consultations with representatives of Kashmiri Pandits, so that all aspects are taken into account and the entire gamut of present and future problems analysed threadbare and in complete detail. Kashmiri Pandits are a religious minority, which calls for due statutory recognition. The constitution of a state minority commission shall be a good step in this direction. The MHA being the nodal ministry, shall start a structured dialogue with Pandits, for designing a comprehensive, time-bound package for return and rehabilitation. It shall not take more than two to three years for its implementation. Pandits believe that if the exiled community is not repatriated back to their homeland with dignity and pride now, then it will never happen again. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Time for Kashmiri Pandits to come back home with dignity

Pak foreign ministry submits proposal for opening Sharada Peeth

Terror funding: ED attaches J-K businessman Watali’s Gurgaon property

Seventeen kilometres from the site of the terrorist attack on the Central Reserve Police Force convoy in south Kashmir’s Pulwama in which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/awantipora-crpf-convoy-hit-by-explosives-laden-vehicle-several-jawans-killed-197418">at least 40 personnel died</a>, Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits have come together to restore an 80-year-old temple and thereby send out a message of communal harmony.&nbsp;

Restoration of the temple at Achan village has begun full speed with members of both communities contributing towards it.&nbsp;

The temple is located only a few kilometres from the house of Adil Ahmad Dar, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist who carried out the attack</a>.

“We Muslims here consider this temple important and remember the old times when people used to come here to pray,” a local man — a Kashmiri Muslim — told WION.&nbsp;

“We are living here in communal harmony and the local Muslim community have also helped us in this move. We are here together for this and will continue to live like that,” a Kashmiri Pandit told WION.&nbsp;

To give the temple a facelift, an old spring and waterway will be reconstructed. That will take a few weeks, and will be followed by a religious ceremony.

The opening of the temple is expected to send out a strong message of peace and brotherhood amid the hatemongering that has followed the Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

Seventeen kilometres from the site of the terrorist attack on the Central Reserve Police Force convoy in south Kashmir’s Pulwama in which at least 40 personnel died, Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits have come together to restore an 80-year-old temple and thereby send out a message of communal harmony.

Seventeen kilometres from the site of the terrorist attack on the Central Reserve Police Force convoy in south Kashmir’s Pulwama in which at least 40 personnel died, Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits have come together to restore an 80-year-old temple and thereby send out a message of communal harmony. Restoration of the temple at Achan village has begun full speed with members of both communities contributing towards it. The temple is located only a few kilometres from the house of Adil Ahmad Dar, the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist who carried out the attack. “We Muslims here consider this temple important and remember the old times when people used to come here to pray,” a local man — a Kashmiri Muslim — told WION. “We are living here in communal harmony and the local Muslim community have also helped us in this move. We are here together for this and will continue to live like that,” a Kashmiri Pandit told WION. To give the temple a facelift, an old spring and waterway will be reconstructed. That will take a few weeks, and will be followed by a religious ceremony. The opening of the temple is expected to send out a strong message of peace and brotherhood amid the hatemongering that has followed the Pulwama attack.

Watch: A few kms from Pulwama site, Kashmiri Muslims & Pandits send out message of communal harmony

The temple is located only a few kilometres from the house of Adil Ahmad Dar, the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist who carried out the Pulwama attack.

A few kms from Pulwama attack site, Kashmiri Muslims & Pandits send out message of communal harmony

With the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, the chorus is growing on the opening of Sharada Peeth, an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which has been out of bounds since the partition.

Bhushan Lal looks out of his window from his house in the old city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Lal is among a small minority of Kashmiri Pandits who never left the valley when Pakistan-backed terrorists targeted their community.

Lal, like many others, dreams to go for pilgrimage to Sharada Peeth which is an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Sharada Peeth is back in focus after the opening of Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims. &nbsp;

His hopes have gained momentum after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been quoted by newspapers as saying that his government "can consider other proposals including opening up travel for the Sharada Peeth in Kashmir."

"This is a very good step, it actually means a lot for us. What Sidhu did for Sikhs, we are demanding the same for us. We have been trying this for a long time, even Mufti Syed, tried to open the route. If this happens, I will go with my entire family," Lal said while preparing to leave for his daily work.

Since the partition of India, the temple has been out of bounds for Indian pilgrims. Lal has met several political leaders to press for the reopening of the ancient temple, but all in vain.&nbsp;

Now former chief minister of J&amp;K Mehbooba Mufti has raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by writing a letter to consider the opening of a Kartarpur-type corridor for the Kashmiri Pandits.&nbsp;

Sharada Peeth translates to "the seat of Sharada," the Kashmiri name for the Hindu goddess Saraswati. The temple is located in a small village about 160 kilometres from Muzaffarabad along the Neelam River in the village of Sharda.&nbsp;

Away from Srinagar, almost 70 kilometres to the north in Bandipora district, four Kashmiri Pandit families take care of a small Shardada temple. The bells don't ring regularly here. Locals believe the place to be a temporary resting place of goddess Sharada when she came from Pakistan occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

Here these families also echo the same wish. Moti Lal Bhat is 86-year-old now, his wish is to visit the original Sharada temple has faded with time. Bhat says the local temple is sacred for not only the Hindu community but also to the local Muslim population.&nbsp;

"I am old now, I don't know if I will be able to go there but those after me should get an opportunity to visit the sacred temple," Bhat says while sitting in corner of a room having walls made of mud.&nbsp;

Save Sharada Committee has been pushing long for their demand to open the route through Muzaffarabad, so far it has fallen on deaf ears. 
&nbsp;

With the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, the chorus is growing on the opening of Sharada Peeth, an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which has been out of bounds since the partition.

With the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, the chorus is growing on the opening of Sharada Peeth, an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, which has been out of bounds since the partition. Bhushan Lal looks out of his window from his house in the old city of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Lal is among a small minority of Kashmiri Pandits who never left the valley when Pakistan-backed terrorists targeted their community. Lal, like many others, dreams to go for pilgrimage to Sharada Peeth which is an important temple across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Sharada Peeth is back in focus after the opening of Kartarpur corridor for Sikh pilgrims. His hopes have gained momentum after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been quoted by newspapers as saying that his government "can consider other proposals including opening up travel for the Sharada Peeth in Kashmir." "This is a very good step, it actually means a lot for us. What Sidhu did for Sikhs, we are demanding the same for us. We have been trying this for a long time, even Mufti Syed, tried to open the route. If this happens, I will go with my entire family," Lal said while preparing to leave for his daily work. Since the partition of India, the temple has been out of bounds for Indian pilgrims. Lal has met several political leaders to press for the reopening of the ancient temple, but all in vain. Now former chief minister of J&K Mehbooba Mufti has raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi by writing a letter to consider the opening of a Kartarpur-type corridor for the Kashmiri Pandits. Sharada Peeth translates to "the seat of Sharada," the Kashmiri name for the Hindu goddess Saraswati. The temple is located in a small village about 160 kilometres from Muzaffarabad along the Neelam River in the village of Sharda. Away from Srinagar, almost 70 kilometres to the north in Bandipora district, four Kashmiri Pandit families take care of a small Shardada temple. The bells don't ring regularly here. Locals believe the place to be a temporary resting place of goddess Sharada when she came from Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Here these families also echo the same wish. Moti Lal Bhat is 86-year-old now, his wish is to visit the original Sharada temple has faded with time. Bhat says the local temple is sacred for not only the Hindu community but also to the local Muslim population. "I am old now, I don't know if I will be able to go there but those after me should get an opportunity to visit the sacred temple," Bhat says while sitting in corner of a room having walls made of mud. Save Sharada Committee has been pushing long for their demand to open the route through Muzaffarabad, so far it has fallen on deaf ears.

Ground report: Now, Kashmiri Pandits demand Kartarpur-type corridor to 'Sharada Peeth'

Holding that India is a country of Hindus first and others later, the Shiv Sena on Monday said despite a &ldquo;pro-Hindutva&rdquo; government at the Centre, issues like Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya and &lsquo;ghar wapsi&rsquo; of displaced Kashmiri Pandits are still unresolved.&nbsp;Shiv Sena also waded into the ongoing debate over playing the national anthem in public places.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had on Friday said in Indore that &lsquo;Hindustan&rsquo; is a country of Hindus, but it does not mean that it does not belong to &ldquo;others&rdquo;.

&ldquo;The RSS chief says like Hindus, India belongs to others as well. The Shiv Sena chief says India belongs to Hindus first and others later, because there are more than 50 countries for Muslims,&rdquo; the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece &lsquo;Saamana&rsquo;

&ldquo;Christians have countries like America and (in) Europe. Buddhists have China, Japan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Hindus do not have any country except this.

&ldquo;Today there is a pro-Hindutva majority government in power. Yet, it is not willing to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya and left its future in the hands of court,&rdquo; it said.

&ldquo;Despite a pro-Hindutva government, the ghar wapsi of Kashmiri Pandits hasn&rsquo;t taken place,&rdquo; said the Sena, which is a constituent of the NDA government at the Centre and an ally of the ruling BJP in Maharashtra.

It also waded into the ongoing debate over playing the national anthem in public places.

A stubborn attitude prevails towards singing of &lsquo;Vande Mataram&rsquo; despite the president and the prime minister belonging to the &ldquo;thought process of the RSS&rdquo;, and some also do not find it appropriate to stand up while the national anthem is being played, the saffron ally said.

&ldquo;If these &lsquo;others&rsquo; are insulting the national anthem by not standing up, the RSS chief should guide the pro-Hindutva government on what stand it should take against them,&rdquo; it said.

The Sena further said Mr. Bhagwat&rsquo;s statement that &ldquo;no one leader or party can make the country great...&rdquo; also cannot be ignored.

The RSS chief had last week said that no one leader or party can make the country great but it needs a change and we will have to prepare the society for it.

The contention was made in an editorial in the party mouthpiece ?Saamana?

Holding that India is a country of Hindus first and others later, the Shiv Sena on Monday said despite a “pro-Hindutva” government at the Centre, issues like Ram Temple construction in Ayodhya and ‘ghar wapsi’ of displaced Kashmiri Pandits are still unresolved. Shiv Sena also waded into the ongoing debate over playing the national anthem in public places. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had on Friday said in Indore that ‘Hindustan’ is a country of Hindus, but it does not mean that it does not belong to “others”. “The RSS chief says like Hindus, India belongs to others as well. The Shiv Sena chief says India belongs to Hindus first and others later, because there are more than 50 countries for Muslims,” the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ “Christians have countries like America and (in) Europe. Buddhists have China, Japan, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Hindus do not have any country except this. “Today there is a pro-Hindutva majority government in power. Yet, it is not willing to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya and left its future in the hands of court,” it said. “Despite a pro-Hindutva government, the ghar wapsi of Kashmiri Pandits hasn’t taken place,” said the Sena, which is a constituent of the NDA government at the Centre and an ally of the ruling BJP in Maharashtra. It also waded into the ongoing debate over playing the national anthem in public places. A stubborn attitude prevails towards singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ despite the president and the prime minister belonging to the “thought process of the RSS”, and some also do not find it appropriate to stand up while the national anthem is being played, the saffron ally said. “If these ‘others’ are insulting the national anthem by not standing up, the RSS chief should guide the pro-Hindutva government on what stand it should take against them,” it said. The Sena further said Mr. Bhagwat’s statement that “no one leader or party can make the country great...” also cannot be ignored. The RSS chief had last week said that no one leader or party can make the country great but it needs a change and we will have to prepare the society for it.

India country of Hindus first, others later: Shiv Sena

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Saturday that &quot;necessary constitutional amendments&quot; will have to be made to &quot;assimilate&quot;&nbsp;the people of Jammu and Kashmir into India.&nbsp;

Bhagwat was speaking at RSS headquarters in Nagpur on the occasion of Dussehra.&nbsp;

&quot;Necessary constitutional amendments will have to be made and old provisions will have to be changed in that state. Only when the constitutional amendments are done, the residents of Jammu and Kashmir can be completely assimilated with the rest of India,&quot; PTI reported Bhagwat as saying.

Bhagwat, who spoke for over an hour, said there was a need to take the benefits of development to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

He also added that the problem of refugees in Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been solved.&nbsp;

PTI reported him as saying that for decades, they are living in miserable conditions as refugees for their decision to be in &quot;Bharat&quot;.

Also read --&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rohingyas-will-be-threat-to-nations-security-mohan-bhagwat-20849" target="_blank">RSS chief on Rohingya: Why have they come here? Why can&#39;t they live there?</a>

&nbsp;

Bhagwat was speaking at RSS headquarters in Nagpur on the occasion of Dussehra

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Saturday that "necessary constitutional amendments" will have to be made to "assimilate" the people of Jammu and Kashmir into India. Bhagwat was speaking at RSS headquarters in Nagpur on the occasion of Dussehra. "Necessary constitutional amendments will have to be made and old provisions will have to be changed in that state. Only when the constitutional amendments are done, the residents of Jammu and Kashmir can be completely assimilated with the rest of India," PTI reported Bhagwat as saying. Bhagwat, who spoke for over an hour, said there was a need to take the benefits of development to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also added that the problem of refugees in Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been solved. PTI reported him as saying that for decades, they are living in miserable conditions as refugees for their decision to be in "Bharat". Also read -- RSS chief on Rohingya: Why have they come here? Why can't they live there?

RSS chief: Constitutional amendments necessary to assimilate Jammu and Kashmir into India

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We can&#39;t forget 1989, want cooperation from all political parties on improving situation in Kashmir:HM Rajnath Singh
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907504390214266880">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Union minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing in Jammu recalled what happened in the state during 1989. He has asked&nbsp;all political parties to cooperate in order to improve the situation in Kashmir.&nbsp;

1989 saw the increase of militancy and bomb blasts in the valley which further led to the infamous exodus of Kashmir Pandits.

The union minister also appreciated&nbsp;the Indian security forces saying that they are giving a befitting reply to Pakistan&#39;s ceasefire violations.

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Our security forces are giving Pakistan&#39;s ceasefire violations a befitting reply: HM Rajnath Singh in Jammu <a href="https://t.co/EdW5cJIjUK">pic.twitter.com/EdW5cJIjUK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907497093916274689">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

He indicated on constituting an expert group to solve problems faced by people living in border areas, also assuring that actions will be taken against illegal migrants.&nbsp;

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Decided to constitute an expert group to study problems facing people living in border areas: HM Rajnath Singh
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Illegal migrants ke baare mein bhi hum vichaar kar rahe hain, kuch karyavahi toh ki jayegi: HM Rajnath Singh in Jammu
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&nbsp;Home Minister said that the centre has diverted 1080 crores to provide 3000 jobs to Kashmiri migrants.&nbsp;

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Centre has decided to give 3000 jobs to migrants from Kashmir valley. Rs 1080 crores sanctioned to the state under this: HM Rajnath Singh <a href="https://t.co/8G16adxLi2">pic.twitter.com/8G16adxLi2</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/907499412267474945">September 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;While also allocating Rs 2000 crores for rehabilitation of migrants from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK).

The union minister added that they have adopted a humane approach to support migrants and displaced people, however, they strongly disapproved illegal migrants.

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Govt has also allocated a package of Rs 2000 crores for rehabilitation of POJK migrants. The disbursal has been linked to AADHAR: HM
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Adopted a humane approach towards migrants and displaced people. But we are strongly against illegal immigration: HM Rajnath Singh
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&nbsp;

Union minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing in Jammu recalled what happened in the state during 1989

We can't forget 1989, want cooperation from all political parties on improving situation in Kashmir:HM Rajnath Singh — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × Union minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing in Jammu recalled what happened in the state during 1989. He has asked all political parties to cooperate in order to improve the situation in Kashmir. 1989 saw the increase of militancy and bomb blasts in the valley which further led to the infamous exodus of Kashmir Pandits. The union minister also appreciated the Indian security forces saying that they are giving a befitting reply to Pakistan's ceasefire violations. Our security forces are giving Pakistan's ceasefire violations a befitting reply: HM Rajnath Singh in Jammu pic.twitter.com/EdW5cJIjUK — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × He indicated on constituting an expert group to solve problems faced by people living in border areas, also assuring that actions will be taken against illegal migrants. Decided to constitute an expert group to study problems facing people living in border areas: HM Rajnath Singh — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × Illegal migrants ke baare mein bhi hum vichaar kar rahe hain, kuch karyavahi toh ki jayegi: HM Rajnath Singh in Jammu — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × Home Minister said that the centre has diverted 1080 crores to provide 3000 jobs to Kashmiri migrants. Centre has decided to give 3000 jobs to migrants from Kashmir valley. Rs 1080 crores sanctioned to the state under this: HM Rajnath Singh pic.twitter.com/8G16adxLi2 — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × While also allocating Rs 2000 crores for rehabilitation of migrants from Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK). The union minister added that they have adopted a humane approach to support migrants and displaced people, however, they strongly disapproved illegal migrants. Govt has also allocated a package of Rs 2000 crores for rehabilitation of POJK migrants. The disbursal has been linked to AADHAR: HM — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 × Adopted a humane approach towards migrants and displaced people. But we are strongly against illegal immigration: HM Rajnath Singh — ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2017 ×

All political parties need to cooperate for improving situation in J&K : Rajnath Singh

On the 27th anniversary of the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and other migrants, India&#39;s Jammu and Kashmir state assembly passed a resolution for the return of Kashmir Pandits to the valley on Thursday.&nbsp;

Soon after the House met in the morning,&nbsp;former chief minister Omar Abdullah said, &quot;Today it has been 27 years since they (Kashmiri Pandits, some Sikhs and Muslims) left the valley and we should rise above politics and pass a resolution in the house for their comeback.&quot;

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The Kashmiri Pandits are&nbsp;a brahmin community native to the valley, their numbers began to decline as a result of the 1948 riots and 1950 land reforms. The situation became critical in the 1990&#39;s for them&nbsp;as&nbsp;rising militancy in India&#39;s Kashmir region led to a mass migration of Kashmiri Pandits to other parts of India.&nbsp;

On Thursday, once the question hour came to an end, minister for Parliamentary affairs&nbsp;Abdul Rehman Veeri approved the resolution and decided to introduce it in the House.&nbsp;

Speaker Kavinder Gupta moved the resolution which was passed by a voice vote.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

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Former CM Omar Abdullah told the House to rise above politics and pass the resolution for the Kashmiri Pandits to come back home

On the 27th anniversary of the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and other migrants, India's Jammu and Kashmir state assembly passed a resolution for the return of Kashmir Pandits to the valley on Thursday. Soon after the House met in the morning, former chief minister Omar Abdullah said, "Today it has been 27 years since they (Kashmiri Pandits, some Sikhs and Muslims) left the valley and we should rise above politics and pass a resolution in the house for their comeback." We should create circumstances for Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homes: Omar Abdullah in J&K Assembly pic.twitter.com/phjQYcJHCy — ANI (@ANI_news) January 19, 2017 × The Kashmiri Pandits are a brahmin community native to the valley, their numbers began to decline as a result of the 1948 riots and 1950 land reforms. The situation became critical in the 1990's for them as rising militancy in India's Kashmir region led to a mass migration of Kashmiri Pandits to other parts of India. On Thursday, once the question hour came to an end, minister for Parliamentary affairs Abdul Rehman Veeri approved the resolution and decided to introduce it in the House. Speaker Kavinder Gupta moved the resolution which was passed by a voice vote. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India: Jammu and Kashmir assembly passes resolution for return of Kashmiri Pandits

&nbsp;

Emotional scenes were witnessed when a small packet containing the holy soil of ancient Sharada temple arrived from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). No sooner was the packet opened in a function at Jammu, the Kashmiri Pandits lined up to apply the sacred soil on their foreheads as a mark of respect and devotion to Goddess Mata Sharada.

It was after almost 70 years that the Kashmiri Pandits, who have been fighting for permission to visit the ancient temple, received a memorabilia from the holy temple. The ancient temple lies in ruins in PoK, and the faithful haven&rsquo;t had access to it given that almost all Hindus living across the LoC migrated to India after the partition.

What added an interesting dimension to the cross-border bonhomie was that a local Muslim forester in PoK, Rayees Ahmad, sent a packet of holy soil by registered post to Ravinder Pandita, Delhi chapter head of All Party Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC), so that Kashmiri Pandits could have a feel of the holy temple.

&ldquo;Tilak was applied by all the participants from the soil brought from Sharada. It was a poignant and an emotional scene when the soil was received and obeisance paid for the first time after Partition,&rdquo; said Pandita.

Situated 207 kilometres north of Muzaffarabad, capital of PoK, in Athmuqam Neelam Valley, the Sharada temple is located near the confluence of Kishan Ganga river and Mudhumati stream. The exact date of establishing the temple is unknown, however, the present style and form of the shrine was established by King Lalitaditya in 724 AD.

Before independence, the annual yatra to Sharada temple was a tradition conducted from ancient times. During the Dogra rule in 1846, it became a regular feature. Historical facts reveal that a Buddhist University was established near the shrine during the period of Emperor Ashoka in 273 BC known as Sharada Peeth.

&ldquo;The last pilgrimage was undertaken by Swami Nand Lal Ji of Tikker Kupwara fame in 1947. He left for heavenly abode in 1968 but one of his disciples, Swami Mast Bab Ji of Hushru fame, is still alive. In fact, at the time of partition, Swami Nand Lal Ji carried idols from Sharda to Tikker on horses. A few of these stone idols are lying at Devibal in Baramulla besides Tikker in Kupwara,&rdquo; informed Pandita.

70 years on, the Kashmiri Pandits have been demanding revival of the pilgrimage and reopening of Sharada temple for Hindu devotees of the country and Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, APMCC chairperson Vinod Pandit led a fast unto death some years ago for reopening of the temple as well as some other issues.

&ldquo;A few years back, I applied for permission to visit the temple using the cross LoC peace bus, but I was told by the state government to approach the Pakistan high commission for visa. If a Muslim can go to PoK on a permit, why should I not be allowed to visit on permit system,&rdquo; questioned Vinod.

In fact, locals in PoK have set up Save Sharada Committee, and APMCC is in the process of opening and registering such a committee in India too. History was scripted in November last year when flowers were offered at the temple on behalf of Ravinder Pandita by the Civil Society of Neelum Valley for the first time since 1947.

(DNA)

A Muslim forester in PoK sent holy soil to Indian authorities so that Kashmiri Pandits could have a feel of the Sharada temple

Emotional scenes were witnessed when a small packet containing the holy soil of ancient Sharada temple arrived from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). No sooner was the packet opened in a function at Jammu, the Kashmiri Pandits lined up to apply the sacred soil on their foreheads as a mark of respect and devotion to Goddess Mata Sharada. It was after almost 70 years that the Kashmiri Pandits, who have been fighting for permission to visit the ancient temple, received a memorabilia from the holy temple. The ancient temple lies in ruins in PoK, and the faithful haven’t had access to it given that almost all Hindus living across the LoC migrated to India after the partition. What added an interesting dimension to the cross-border bonhomie was that a local Muslim forester in PoK, Rayees Ahmad, sent a packet of holy soil by registered post to Ravinder Pandita, Delhi chapter head of All Party Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC), so that Kashmiri Pandits could have a feel of the holy temple. “Tilak was applied by all the participants from the soil brought from Sharada. It was a poignant and an emotional scene when the soil was received and obeisance paid for the first time after Partition,” said Pandita. Situated 207 kilometres north of Muzaffarabad, capital of PoK, in Athmuqam Neelam Valley, the Sharada temple is located near the confluence of Kishan Ganga river and Mudhumati stream. The exact date of establishing the temple is unknown, however, the present style and form of the shrine was established by King Lalitaditya in 724 AD. Before independence, the annual yatra to Sharada temple was a tradition conducted from ancient times. During the Dogra rule in 1846, it became a regular feature. Historical facts reveal that a Buddhist University was established near the shrine during the period of Emperor Ashoka in 273 BC known as Sharada Peeth. “The last pilgrimage was undertaken by Swami Nand Lal Ji of Tikker Kupwara fame in 1947. He left for heavenly abode in 1968 but one of his disciples, Swami Mast Bab Ji of Hushru fame, is still alive. In fact, at the time of partition, Swami Nand Lal Ji carried idols from Sharda to Tikker on horses. A few of these stone idols are lying at Devibal in Baramulla besides Tikker in Kupwara,” informed Pandita. 70 years on, the Kashmiri Pandits have been demanding revival of the pilgrimage and reopening of Sharada temple for Hindu devotees of the country and Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, APMCC chairperson Vinod Pandit led a fast unto death some years ago for reopening of the temple as well as some other issues. “A few years back, I applied for permission to visit the temple using the cross LoC peace bus, but I was told by the state government to approach the Pakistan high commission for visa. If a Muslim can go to PoK on a permit, why should I not be allowed to visit on permit system,” questioned Vinod. In fact, locals in PoK have set up Save Sharada Committee, and APMCC is in the process of opening and registering such a committee in India too. History was scripted in November last year when flowers were offered at the temple on behalf of Ravinder Pandita by the Civil Society of Neelum Valley for the first time since 1947. (DNA)

PoK Muslim sends sacred soil to Kashmiri Pandits in India

The line-ups in the dispensary were snaking through the camp. Kids were screaming and playing in the dirt. Some queued up outside the tents to collect food supplies; others stood in a file to get water. These people had gathered there to get basic amenities because they had no way to buy them or earn them. There were millions who had been displaced by the fighting in Afghanistan. We stood there looking at the size of this calamity and wondered how this would ever get resolved. This was at the Jalozai camp near Peshawar in Pakistan in 2002.

Almost a decade later, I went back to another camp near Jalozai. By then, Jalozai had shut down. This camp mostly had internally displaced people from Waziristan, living under plastic sheets in what they called their homes. Some of them who were more entrepreneurial had moved out. Some found jobs and some had set-up businesses starting afresh in their new country.

Unimaginable size of refugees 
Over the past decades, the number of refugees has grown acutely. Every minute, 24 people are displaced in this world. Somebody loses one&#39;s home, community and way of life. Official figures tell that 98,400 among the displaced population are unaccompanied or are children who have been separated from their families.&nbsp;

Leaving behind one&rsquo;s home and security are traumatic enough but not having a friend, parent or a relative in the journey to unknown places is scary. The challenge for the children is even more as many get sexually abused. They are scarred for the rest of their lives.

In 2015, one in every 113 people were displaced globally from their homes because of conflict and persecution. Three countries &mdash; Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia &mdash; produce half of the world&rsquo;s refugees. The most startling fact is that about 86 per cent of the world&rsquo;s refugees live in developing countries. In the developing world, where the majority of its own citizens don&rsquo;t have access to basic amenities like clean drinking water, houses and jobs, we can imagine what the living conditions of the refugees would be.

Psychological impact of being a refugee 
The relationship between the governed and the government is a fascinating one. Whether democracy or dictatorship, the governed put trust in their government. They believe that this trust would give them security and opportunity to lead a normal life with their own people. Being labeled a migrant or a refugee puts one&#39;s statehood and identity always in question. There are more than 30,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees in one of the refugee camps in Delhi. While talking to them, one realises that they are always questioning their identity. They feel that they belong nowhere. On the one hand, they are being persecuted in their homeland. On the other hand in their host country, they don&rsquo;t feel a sense of belonging.

Someone who becomes a refugee doesn&rsquo;t want to stay in that condition; they are always vulnerable in a foreign land. Cultural integration in the host country is not easy. Even if they stay in their host countries for generations and finally manage to carve out a new life in the new land, there is always the fear of repatriation. After the 1980 war between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan, several Afghans came to Pakistan as refugees. Over the years, they built their life, home and community in Pakistan. But, now the government of Pakistan is repatriating them. They have been given a deadline till the end of this year to return. Even if some want to stay back, they can&rsquo;t as they suffer harassment at the hands of Pakistani Police.

The refugees have to go through deep psychological distress. They are at risk of developing mental health problems due to their traumatic experiences. They are uprooted from their habitat and face adjustment difficulties in the new country, such as language, occupational problems, and cultural conflict. Uprooting creates culture shock resulting in psychological and mental stress, thus impacting an individual well-being.

However, studies have shown that much of the depression and anxiety of refugees can be alleviated if they can keep family ties somewhat intact and can develop social networks with others from their culture. The stress does not end with the current refugees. It passes onto the children as well, even if they are born into the new environment. Every boy and girl have aspirations and expectations. However, the conditions in refugee camps are so dismal that there is hardly any scope for receiving education, which aggravates the psychological distress in children.

It&rsquo;s a permanent crisis 
Several countries have agreed to accept a larger number of refugees but many have rejected them as well. Thirty-one US states have rejected the idea of accepting refugees. But we have to continuously remind ourselves that we shouldn&rsquo;t be creating conditions that will push more people out of their homes and countries. Instead, there should be a concerted effort to end the turmoil. Meanwhile, let&rsquo;s make these populations feel at home.

Sometimes, circumstances are such that people are relieved to leave their native places and move to new ones. Muthi camp that I visited in Jammu of Kashmiri in 2007-2008, people were relieved to escape from Kashmir where their women were being gang raped by their Muslims neighbours right in front of their eyes. Traumatised by such events, they preferred to leave and never return. They have established new homes around the world. So sometimes there may not be a choice but to leave and become a refugee or just create a new home in some place else. The idea should be to help create the circumstance for populations to find safe havens.&nbsp;

We often come across the term &lsquo;conflict management&rsquo; in writings and articles. Lately, it seems that the word is almost being over-used. Conflicts can be managed for decades but they don&rsquo;t end the war. What is needed is conflict resolution. We need to resolve and end the conflicts so that people are no longer displaced.

&nbsp;

The monumental refugee crisis demands a resolve to end the tragedy

The line-ups in the dispensary were snaking through the camp. Kids were screaming and playing in the dirt. Some queued up outside the tents to collect food supplies; others stood in a file to get water. These people had gathered there to get basic amenities because they had no way to buy them or earn them. There were millions who had been displaced by the fighting in Afghanistan. We stood there looking at the size of this calamity and wondered how this would ever get resolved. This was at the Jalozai camp near Peshawar in Pakistan in 2002. Almost a decade later, I went back to another camp near Jalozai. By then, Jalozai had shut down. This camp mostly had internally displaced people from Waziristan, living under plastic sheets in what they called their homes. Some of them who were more entrepreneurial had moved out. Some found jobs and some had set-up businesses starting afresh in their new country. Unimaginable size of refugees Over the past decades, the number of refugees has grown acutely. Every minute, 24 people are displaced in this world. Somebody loses one's home, community and way of life. Official figures tell that 98,400 among the displaced population are unaccompanied or are children who have been separated from their families. Leaving behind one’s home and security are traumatic enough but not having a friend, parent or a relative in the journey to unknown places is scary. The challenge for the children is even more as many get sexually abused. They are scarred for the rest of their lives. In 2015, one in every 113 people were displaced globally from their homes because of conflict and persecution. Three countries — Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia — produce half of the world’s refugees. The most startling fact is that about 86 per cent of the world’s refugees live in developing countries. In the developing world, where the majority of its own citizens don’t have access to basic amenities like clean drinking water, houses and jobs, we can imagine what the living conditions of the refugees would be. Psychological impact of being a refugee The relationship between the governed and the government is a fascinating one. Whether democracy or dictatorship, the governed put trust in their government. They believe that this trust would give them security and opportunity to lead a normal life with their own people. Being labeled a migrant or a refugee puts one's statehood and identity always in question. There are more than 30,000 Rohingya Muslim refugees in one of the refugee camps in Delhi. While talking to them, one realises that they are always questioning their identity. They feel that they belong nowhere. On the one hand, they are being persecuted in their homeland. On the other hand in their host country, they don’t feel a sense of belonging. Someone who becomes a refugee doesn’t want to stay in that condition; they are always vulnerable in a foreign land. Cultural integration in the host country is not easy. Even if they stay in their host countries for generations and finally manage to carve out a new life in the new land, there is always the fear of repatriation. After the 1980 war between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan, several Afghans came to Pakistan as refugees. Over the years, they built their life, home and community in Pakistan. But, now the government of Pakistan is repatriating them. They have been given a deadline till the end of this year to return. Even if some want to stay back, they can’t as they suffer harassment at the hands of Pakistani Police. The refugees have to go through deep psychological distress. They are at risk of developing mental health problems due to their traumatic experiences. They are uprooted from their habitat and face adjustment difficulties in the new country, such as language, occupational problems, and cultural conflict. Uprooting creates culture shock resulting in psychological and mental stress, thus impacting an individual well-being. However, studies have shown that much of the depression and anxiety of refugees can be alleviated if they can keep family ties somewhat intact and can develop social networks with others from their culture. The stress does not end with the current refugees. It passes onto the children as well, even if they are born into the new environment. Every boy and girl have aspirations and expectations. However, the conditions in refugee camps are so dismal that there is hardly any scope for receiving education, which aggravates the psychological distress in children. It’s a permanent crisis Several countries have agreed to accept a larger number of refugees but many have rejected them as well. Thirty-one US states have rejected the idea of accepting refugees. But we have to continuously remind ourselves that we shouldn’t be creating conditions that will push more people out of their homes and countries. Instead, there should be a concerted effort to end the turmoil. Meanwhile, let’s make these populations feel at home. Sometimes, circumstances are such that people are relieved to leave their native places and move to new ones. Muthi camp that I visited in Jammu of Kashmiri in 2007-2008, people were relieved to escape from Kashmir where their women were being gang raped by their Muslims neighbours right in front of their eyes. Traumatised by such events, they preferred to leave and never return. They have established new homes around the world. So sometimes there may not be a choice but to leave and become a refugee or just create a new home in some place else. The idea should be to help create the circumstance for populations to find safe havens. We often come across the term ‘conflict management’ in writings and articles. Lately, it seems that the word is almost being over-used. Conflicts can be managed for decades but they don’t end the war. What is needed is conflict resolution. We need to resolve and end the conflicts so that people are no longer displaced.

Road to nowhere: the global refugee crisis

Darshar Maha Kumbh or Pitcher Festival was organised in India&#39;s northern Kashmir state after a gap of 75 years on Tuesday. 
 
The festival was held on the confluence of sacred Sindhu and Vitasta rivers in Ganderbal district of Kashmir. Taking a dip at the junction of rivers at Shadipora is considered to be auspicious as per the Hindu mythology. 
 
Over 20,000 Kashmir Pandits thronged to the spot at Shadipora Sangam to take holy dip. 
 
&quot;This fair has come after a gap of 75 years and our ancestors, my grandfather use to say, that it last happened during their time. Today, I got to experience this. I am feeling blessed that I celebrated this festival with my son and my family,&quot; a Kashmiri Pandit, Rajkumar, said. 
 
The place holds same significance for Kashmiri Hindus as Haridwar, considered to be one of the holiest cities of religious importance to the community. 
 
At Shadipora Sangam lies an ancient Chinar tree (Platanus orientalis) that is considered mystical and sacred by Kashmiri Pandits. 
 
&quot;I am happy that I&#39;m one among the fortunate ones, who are participating in this Kumbh mela. People have come here to attend the programme. It is a very big deal for Kashmiri Pandits as they are bathing in Maha Kumbh,&quot; said All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee, spokesperson, King Bharti. 
 
Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith in which devotees gather to bathe in a sacred river. 
 
(Reuters)

Hundreds of Kashmiri pandits gathered at the confluence

Darshar Maha Kumbh or Pitcher Festival was organised in India's northern Kashmir state after a gap of 75 years on Tuesday. The festival was held on the confluence of sacred Sindhu and Vitasta rivers in Ganderbal district of Kashmir. Taking a dip at the junction of rivers at Shadipora is considered to be auspicious as per the Hindu mythology. Over 20,000 Kashmir Pandits thronged to the spot at Shadipora Sangam to take holy dip. "This fair has come after a gap of 75 years and our ancestors, my grandfather use to say, that it last happened during their time. Today, I got to experience this. I am feeling blessed that I celebrated this festival with my son and my family," a Kashmiri Pandit, Rajkumar, said. The place holds same significance for Kashmiri Hindus as Haridwar, considered to be one of the holiest cities of religious importance to the community. At Shadipora Sangam lies an ancient Chinar tree (Platanus orientalis) that is considered mystical and sacred by Kashmiri Pandits. "I am happy that I'm one among the fortunate ones, who are participating in this Kumbh mela. People have come here to attend the programme. It is a very big deal for Kashmiri Pandits as they are bathing in Maha Kumbh," said All Parties Migrants Coordination Committee, spokesperson, King Bharti. Kumbh Mela is a mass Hindu pilgrimage of faith in which devotees gather to bathe in a sacred river. (Reuters)

'Dashar Maha Kumb' celebrated in Kashmir after 75 years