KP Exodus & Betrayals
It is now close to three decades that Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) hounded out of their homes in Kashmir by armed Islamists, masquerading as freedom fighters, have been condemned to live as refugees in their own country. Successive governments often promise to reverse this human tragedy, by ensuring a safe and dignified return of the natives to their homeland, only to forget no sooner promises are made. Since insignificant numbers don't matter in electoral calculus, political and economic empowerment of KPs is not a priority for any party, BJP included. Recently, in reply to an RTI query, Union Home Ministry denied any return-cum-rehabilitation plan for KPs was under its consideration thus reinforcing a long-established neglect of this ethnic group. As this U-turn by the BJP government evoked an instant resentment within the community, brazen-faced Parivar apologists were at hand to dole the government out of this faux pas claiming resettlement in the Valley was never a demand of the community. Ever since exodus in 1990, Kashmiri Pandit saga has been a case of continued betrayal, both by 'self-imposed' leaders and successive political masters.
Exodus and hopelessness thereafter, the stunned community was forced to cling onto whoever offered hope. Some organisations, professing to work for welfare and unity of Hindus, were quick to lend some succor. Mostly help rendered thus was commendable but it had its downside too. As is usual in such catastrophes, funds raised for KPs were remorselessly siphoned off - cash landing in deep pockets of 'volunteers' and kind being sold in the market. Hence, started the exploitation of the hapless community?
Feeling the heat of exploitation, a strong commitment to reclaim what had been snatched - the Homeland- resonated among the displaced. Those witness to events post migration confide that concept of Homeland was floated by an avowedly Hindu outfit. KPs instantly identified with the idea so overwhelmingly that reclaiming Homeland turned into a household slogan. After more than seven centuries of persecution and political and economic marginalization, the community had found a political slogan to assert its ethnic identity. Unfortunately, this massive assertion unnerved those who had floated the concept of Homeland for fear of losing relevance and leverage. Who better to sink a ship than someone aboard it? A split was engineered through political chicaneryjust a day after Margdarshan Resolution -1991, laying the foundation of Panun Kashmir, was passed with a thumping majority at a massive gathering in Jammu. It was the first betrayal by community's own - playing to their master's tune. Talking about Homeland in Srinagar, now in 2017, to suit a narrative carries no conviction. It was the same leader who, in 2007, had exonerated those who had tormented the community by blaming former J&K Governor for migration of KPs.
Even this deceit did not deter the community from rallying behind the faction that remained steadfast to the Homeland slogan. Main protagonists of Panun Kashmir attained instant demigod status. As movement was gaining national and international attention, internal bickering brought about a second split in 1996. Thus, the very concept of Homeland, rallying half- a-million behind Panun Kashmir slogan, was torn asunder to utter disgust of the community. What remains of this sacred slogan today is a tattered Panun Kashmir flag held a piece each by the three factions.
Post two splits, a host of letterhead organizations mushroomed to fill in the vacuum. Most were props of agencies with specific objectives, while some were self-interest groups out to eke a favour or to make money- by means fair or foul. It is no secret how some migrant doctors lobbied against their posting to the Super-Specialty Hospital in Jammu. It is alleged that intense political pressure and money was brought in to play that forced Sushil Kumar Shinde, the then Union Home Minister, to issue a statement against proposed postings. It is a different matter that todaysame group is the staunchest critic of UPA regime. Of the remaining, majority strayed into temple politics or rode the Hindutva bandwagon while the balance turned away disenchanted.
It is curious that after destroying a unifying slogan none of the three factions has given up the Panun Kashmir tag. One, at times, wonders if all three groups have split by mutual consent with a common objective of destroying the very movement that brought them to the political centerstage. Otherwise, what explains their coming together when they called on Rajnath Singh in Jammu recently? "We are fighting individual battles which will take us nowhere. We have dozens of organizations and representatives following different agendas but no notable resistance to fight to fulfil our political aspirations," said MK Raina, who runs a shop at the Jagti camp. These lines, from a report filed by Sumit Haku (Tribune 13/11/2017), sum up the existential dilemma of Kashmiri Pandits. This disdain for leadership is not difficult to fathom.
Actions/inactions of these self-imposed leaders have been inimical to the community's interests. One is reminded of how some leaders blocked implementation of Prime Minister's Employment Package. Knowing full well that they had no alternative employment avenues to offer yet they delayed implementation of the Employment Package by almost half a decade. Leadership mantle was worn by those who were well off and elitist in outlook. They never bothered about the deprived sections of the community still living in abysmal conditions in the camps nor did they ever speak about those KPs who had shown guts to stay back in the Valley. Instead, slanderous campaigns were run against them. Shunned by the community, these leaders started living in echo chambers or at best in tiny tribes of their own. Most of them have been numbed into silence ever since the present dispensations took charge. Gone are the days when press conferences were held at proverbial drop of a hat. Talking now about Homeland appears blasphemous. Homeland Day, observed in last week of December, is likely to be given a go-by this year. That much for upholding the sanctity of a sacred cause. Some of the leaders lean heavily on the shoulders of some retired Generals to keep themselves afloat in public view while others ride piggyback on obscure Hindu fringe. While those who entered Legislative Council deny they represent the community, eminent scholars have been silenced by conferring of national awards. KPs today can boast of none who represents their aspirations. Even Kashmir Sentinel, only political organ of the community, was given a quiet burial.
An ordinary KP justifiably feels cheated not only by the political system of the country but also by his own. Subservience,of those who have occupied public space on behalf of the community,to the powers that matter is complete. One doesn't understand who gavewhom the mandate to rechristen Kashmiri Pandits as Kashmir Hindus? Have all other communities in India done so? Isn't caste and ethnic profiling still defining the politics in this country? When will KPs come out of victimhood syndrome to fight for rights? Will their imposed leadership ever let them do that? One can't help but cite Mahatma Gandhi's retort when, in response to a doubt whether Indians really wanted freedom, he jokingly said that Indians wanted freedom without working for that and, better, if they could make some money in the bargain. That typifies attributes of Kashmiri Pandit leadership.
Exodus and hopelessness thereafter, the stunned community was forced to cling onto whoever offered hope. Some organisations, professing to work for welfare and unity of Hindus, were quick to lend some succor. Mostly help rendered thus was commendable but it had its downside too. As is usual in such catastrophes, funds raised for KPs were remorselessly siphoned off - cash landing in deep pockets of 'volunteers' and kind being sold in the market. Hence, started the exploitation of the hapless community?
Feeling the heat of exploitation, a strong commitment to reclaim what had been snatched - the Homeland- resonated among the displaced. Those witness to events post migration confide that concept of Homeland was floated by an avowedly Hindu outfit. KPs instantly identified with the idea so overwhelmingly that reclaiming Homeland turned into a household slogan. After more than seven centuries of persecution and political and economic marginalization, the community had found a political slogan to assert its ethnic identity. Unfortunately, this massive assertion unnerved those who had floated the concept of Homeland for fear of losing relevance and leverage. Who better to sink a ship than someone aboard it? A split was engineered through political chicaneryjust a day after Margdarshan Resolution -1991, laying the foundation of Panun Kashmir, was passed with a thumping majority at a massive gathering in Jammu. It was the first betrayal by community's own - playing to their master's tune. Talking about Homeland in Srinagar, now in 2017, to suit a narrative carries no conviction. It was the same leader who, in 2007, had exonerated those who had tormented the community by blaming former J&K Governor for migration of KPs.
Even this deceit did not deter the community from rallying behind the faction that remained steadfast to the Homeland slogan. Main protagonists of Panun Kashmir attained instant demigod status. As movement was gaining national and international attention, internal bickering brought about a second split in 1996. Thus, the very concept of Homeland, rallying half- a-million behind Panun Kashmir slogan, was torn asunder to utter disgust of the community. What remains of this sacred slogan today is a tattered Panun Kashmir flag held a piece each by the three factions.
Post two splits, a host of letterhead organizations mushroomed to fill in the vacuum. Most were props of agencies with specific objectives, while some were self-interest groups out to eke a favour or to make money- by means fair or foul. It is no secret how some migrant doctors lobbied against their posting to the Super-Specialty Hospital in Jammu. It is alleged that intense political pressure and money was brought in to play that forced Sushil Kumar Shinde, the then Union Home Minister, to issue a statement against proposed postings. It is a different matter that todaysame group is the staunchest critic of UPA regime. Of the remaining, majority strayed into temple politics or rode the Hindutva bandwagon while the balance turned away disenchanted.
It is curious that after destroying a unifying slogan none of the three factions has given up the Panun Kashmir tag. One, at times, wonders if all three groups have split by mutual consent with a common objective of destroying the very movement that brought them to the political centerstage. Otherwise, what explains their coming together when they called on Rajnath Singh in Jammu recently? "We are fighting individual battles which will take us nowhere. We have dozens of organizations and representatives following different agendas but no notable resistance to fight to fulfil our political aspirations," said MK Raina, who runs a shop at the Jagti camp. These lines, from a report filed by Sumit Haku (Tribune 13/11/2017), sum up the existential dilemma of Kashmiri Pandits. This disdain for leadership is not difficult to fathom.
Actions/inactions of these self-imposed leaders have been inimical to the community's interests. One is reminded of how some leaders blocked implementation of Prime Minister's Employment Package. Knowing full well that they had no alternative employment avenues to offer yet they delayed implementation of the Employment Package by almost half a decade. Leadership mantle was worn by those who were well off and elitist in outlook. They never bothered about the deprived sections of the community still living in abysmal conditions in the camps nor did they ever speak about those KPs who had shown guts to stay back in the Valley. Instead, slanderous campaigns were run against them. Shunned by the community, these leaders started living in echo chambers or at best in tiny tribes of their own. Most of them have been numbed into silence ever since the present dispensations took charge. Gone are the days when press conferences were held at proverbial drop of a hat. Talking now about Homeland appears blasphemous. Homeland Day, observed in last week of December, is likely to be given a go-by this year. That much for upholding the sanctity of a sacred cause. Some of the leaders lean heavily on the shoulders of some retired Generals to keep themselves afloat in public view while others ride piggyback on obscure Hindu fringe. While those who entered Legislative Council deny they represent the community, eminent scholars have been silenced by conferring of national awards. KPs today can boast of none who represents their aspirations. Even Kashmir Sentinel, only political organ of the community, was given a quiet burial.
An ordinary KP justifiably feels cheated not only by the political system of the country but also by his own. Subservience,of those who have occupied public space on behalf of the community,to the powers that matter is complete. One doesn't understand who gavewhom the mandate to rechristen Kashmiri Pandits as Kashmir Hindus? Have all other communities in India done so? Isn't caste and ethnic profiling still defining the politics in this country? When will KPs come out of victimhood syndrome to fight for rights? Will their imposed leadership ever let them do that? One can't help but cite Mahatma Gandhi's retort when, in response to a doubt whether Indians really wanted freedom, he jokingly said that Indians wanted freedom without working for that and, better, if they could make some money in the bargain. That typifies attributes of Kashmiri Pandit leadership.
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