Kashmiri Pandits want to return to their homeland: Survey report
Jammu, Jan 19: A survey report said that Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) want to return to their homeland in Kashmir.
According to a press release, the Whetstone International Networking, in collaboration with Shree Vishwakarma Skill University, conducted a Post-Exodus Cultural Survey. The findings highlight the urgency of addressing the socio-cultural and economic issues faced by the community through a structured, inclusive, and practical approach.
“The survey dispels many misconceptions. Contrary to popular belief, a significant portion of the community desires to return to Kashmir. Approximately 66.6 percent of Kashmiri Pandits still own properties in Kashmir, and 48.6 percent refuse to sell their ancestral homes. Overall, the community wishes to reconnect with its roots but insists on the need for a ‘One Place Settlement,’ prioritising security and rehabilitation,” the press release said.
It added that moreover, the community is deeply concerned about its growth rate. “The study reveals that the devastating impact of the exodus has reduced the community’s population growth rate to a concerning 1.6 percent,” the press release said.
Amit Raina, an activist of the community said, “The extinction of the Indus Valley Civilisation represents a significant historical event, while the plight of Kashmiri Pandits is a contemporary reality. Their forced exodus has resulted in a loss of identity, economic instability, and emotional distress. The negative population growth within this community may lead to their potential extinction.”