06 August 2026: The circulation of a poster reportedly carrying explicit threats against Kashmiri Pandits—describing them as “snakes to be crushed,” calling for their homes to be burnt, their livelihoods destroyed, and their lives taken solely because of their religious identity—has shaken the conscience of every person who believes in humanity, constitutional democracy, and the timeless civilizational ethos of Kashmir.
This is not merely hate speech. It is an open incitement to religious persecution and targeted violence. It is an assault on the Constitution of India, the rule of law, and the very foundation of Kashmiriyat, which has long symbolized coexistence, mutual respect, and shared cultural heritage. For every Kashmiri Pandit, the language contained in this poster is not new. It echoes the terrifying slogans, posters, threats, and intimidation that engulfed the Kashmir Valley in 1989–1990, ultimately forcing the exodus of an entire indigenous community from its ancestral homeland.
History appears to be knocking once again.
The wounds of displacement remain open. Justice remains incomplete. Rehabilitation remains largely unfulfilled. The reappearance of such language revives memories that no civilized society should ever permit to return. History has repeatedly demonstrated that hatred flourishes not only because of those who spread it, but also because of those who choose silence. This is no longer a question concerning Kashmiri Pandits alone. It is a test of the moral courage of every Kashmiri, every citizen of India, every political leader, every religious institution, and every defender of constitutional values. When calls for violence are met with silence that silence risks becoming an accomplice to intolerance.
An Appeal to the Conscience of the Kashmiri Muslim Community
For decades, Kashmiri Pandits have heard a reassuring sentiment from countless Kashmiri Muslims:
“Kashmiri Pandits are part of our soul.”
If those words genuinely reflect the spirit of Kashmiriyat, then this is the moment to transform sentiment into action. Kashmiriyat cannot survive through speeches, seminars, or slogans. It survives only when ordinary citizens publicly reject hatred, defend their neighbours, and refuse to remain silent when any community is threatened because of its faith. The overwhelming majority of Kashmiri Muslims have always desired peace and coexistence. Their collective voice must now rise above the voices of hatred and intimidation. A clear and united rejection of such threats would reaffirm that Kashmir belongs equally to all its indigenous communities.
Those attempting to justify hatred or violence in the name of religion fundamentally misrepresent the teachings of Islam.
The Holy Qur’an and the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) consistently emphasize justice, mercy, protection of innocent life, and respect for people of other faiths.
The Qur’an declares:
“Whoever kills a person—unless for murder or spreading corruption in the land—it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved all mankind.”
He warned:
“Whoever harms a non-Muslim living under protection (Mu’ahid), I shall be his opponent on the Day of Resurrection.”
We therefore appeal to Islamic scholars (Ulema), Imams, mosque committees, civil society organisations, and the people of Kashmir to speak with one united voice.
There is no honour in threatening innocent people.
There is no righteousness in persecuting a community because of its religion.
Such acts betray both the moral teachings of Islam and the true spirit of Kashmiriyat.
A powerful public rejection by religious and community leaders would send an unmistakable message that Islam, Kashmiriyat, and humanity stand together against violence, intimidation, and religious persecution.
This is also a defining test for every political party, elected representative, religious leader, and civil society organisation in Jammu & Kashmir. Condemnation must not be selective. There must be an immediate, unequivocal, and public rejection of every threat directed against Kashmiri Pandits or any other community.
Silence today will become tomorrow’s historical indictment.
History remembers not only those who incited hatred but also those who lacked the courage to oppose it.
Enough of Promises Kashmiri Pandits Need a Credible Roadmap for Return
For more than three decades, successive governments have repeatedly spoken of the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. Promises have been made before constitutional authorities, before the people of Jammu & Kashmir, and before the people of India. Yet after thirty-seven years, the overwhelming majority of displaced Kashmiri Pandits remain unable to return to their homeland with dignity, security, and equal citizenship.
The indigenous Kashmiri Pandit community is too often treated as an afterthought. We do not seek sympathy. We do not seek symbolic assurances. We do not seek another committee, another announcement, or another slogan.
We seek an immediate transparent, time-bound, accountable national roadmap for the safe, dignified, and sustainable return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Kashmir Valley, together with restoration of their rights, security, properties, temples, and civilizational heritage. Justice delayed for thirty-seven years cannot continue indefinitely.
Beyond Politics A Civilizational Responsibility
The displacement of Kashmiri Pandits was not merely the migration of a population. It represented the rupture of one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations rooted in Kashmir. The preservation of Kashmir’s pluralistic identity is not solely the responsibility of Kashmiri Pandits. It is the shared responsibility of every citizen who believes that Kashmir belongs equally to Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Christians, and every other community. No democracy can claim moral legitimacy while allowing calls for the persecution of a minority because of its faith.
Our Appeal
We call upon:
- Every Kashmiri Muslim.
- Every political party.
- Every religious institution.
- Every civil society organisation.
- Every constitutional authority.
- Every citizen.
Stand up. Speak out. Reject hatred. Defend humanity.
Let the world witness that Kashmiriyat is not an empty slogan but a living moral commitment to justice, compassion, coexistence, and equal citizenship.
The future of Kashmir cannot be built upon fear, intimidation, or religious hatred.
It must be built upon constitutional values, accountability, equal rights, and mutual respect.
History tested Kashmir once in 1990.
It must not be allowed to fail that test again.
Issued in the interest of justice, communal harmony, constitutional values, equal citizenship, and the preservation of Kashmir’s pluralistic civilizational heritage.
Jk peace forum
Satish M & Others
Ramesh Kitchloo
Ravindra Kumar
