A Historic Opportunity for Inclusive Democracy and Restoration of Kashmir’s Shared Civilizational Heritage.
After 36 years of displacement, exclusion and broken political promises, the time has come for political parties to demonstrate their commitment through action rather than an often repeated rhetoric.
I appeal to the six major political formations — Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Indian National Congress, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference, Apni Party and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to rise above partisan interests and collectively consider nominating a credible, educated, visionary and capable Kashmiri Pandit candidate for the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency. Independent political representatives and civil society organizations should also support this initiative.
36 Years of Displacement: Time to Convert Promises into Political Action
For more than three decades, Kashmiri Pandits have remained victims of forced displacement, insecurity, political neglect and unfulfilled assurances. Almost every major political party has, at one time or another, incorporated the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits into its election manifesto. And have repeatedly said that Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pundits. This is the time to demonstrate the intent and will.
If these commitments are sincere, why should political parties hesitate to give a Kashmiri Pandit an opportunity to represent Srinagar in Parliament?
Political representation is not a substitute for rehabilitation, but it can become an important instrument, a measure confidence building factor, for ensuring that the concerns of displaced citizens are heard directly in the highest democratic forum.
A Kashmiri Pandit Can surely and effectively Represent the aspirations of ALL the sections of Kashmir Society across all religious affiliations, raising important issues like employment, economic opportunities, quality education, accessible healthcare, tourism development, social justice, constitutional dignity, security and a peaceful future for their children.
More than a Community: A Living Civilizational Heritage.
Kashmiri Pandits have historically been among the important custodians and transmitters of intellectual and spiritual inheritance of Kashmir – ancient Sharda Desh. And, excluding this community from meaningful participation weakens Kashmir’s own civilizational completeness.
An Appeal to Kashmir’s Civil Society
Political parties alone cannot carry the responsibility of reconciliation. Kashmir’s civil society, intellectuals, academicians, religious leaders, business organizations, youth groups and community institutions must come forward. This initiative should transcend organizational affiliations and electoral loyalties. It should become a collective appeal for restoring democratic confidence and rebuilding the social trust that has suffered enormously over the past 36 years.
THE SIX-PARTY CHALLENGE: WILL THEY HONOUR THEIR OWN PROMISES?
I place a direct and public challenge before the leadership of JKNC, PDP, Congress, Peoples Conference, Apni Party and BJP:
If you genuinely believe in the return of Kashmiri Pandits, if you genuinely support Kashmir’s composite heritage, and if your election manifestos were more than instruments of electoral mobilization, then demonstrate your conviction now.
Can these six political formations rise above electoral arithmetic and collectively support a deserving Kashmiri Pandit candidate for the Srinagar Parliamentary by-election?
If they cannot, the people have every right to question the sincerity of their repeated promises of reconciliation, rehabilitation and the return of Kashmiri Pandits.
This is an opportunity to make history, darn the social fabric ruptured by events post 1989, and pave wave for a peaceful, cohesive and progressive Kashmir. Let Srinagar send a message that Kashmir’s future cannot be built by excluding any part of its history, heritage or people.
One Kashmir. Shared Civilization. Equal Dignity. Inclusive Democracy.
Issued in the larger interest of democratic inclusion, Kashmiri Pandit rehabilitation, reconciliation and the restoration of Kashmir’s shared civilizational heritage.
Satish mahaldar
Chairman
Jkpeace forum ( regd )
9818099625
