Fear, Anxiety In Kashmiri Pandit Camps

Following days of protests over what they say is the administration's "inaction" in protecting them from targeted attacks, Kashmiri Pandits employed in the valley under the PM's rehabilitation package ended their agitation on Thursday, expressing frustration over the "inaction".

According to credible media reports, several Kashmiri Pandits employed by the administration are housed in two secured camps, at Sheikhpora in Budgam and Haal in Pulwama. The sense of despair and anxiety is palpable. Since the string of killings targeting minorities and outsiders, many say they are actively exploring options outside the Valley.

About 45 families remain at the Haal camp in South Kashmir, and several have indicated that they are ready to move.

In March 2021, in a written reply to a question in Parliament, the Ministry of Home Affairs had stated that out of 6,000 sanctioned posts, nearly 3,800 migrant candidates have returned to Kashmir over the past few years to take up government jobs under the PM package. After the abrogation of Article 370, 520 migrant candidates returned to Kashmir to take up such jobs, it said.

K Pandurang Pole, Kashmir Divisional Commissioner, could not be reached for comment.

On May 18, Pole instructed the heads of various govt departments to ensure that employees from the Kashmiri Pandit community are not posted in "vulnerable areas" but at district headquarters.

On May 23, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the Sheikhpora camp, where Rahul Bhat’s family was staying at the time, and assured residents that their concerns would be addressed.

Furthermore, Kulgam, Budgam and Anantnag districts have appointed nodal officers for handling employee grievances - PM package, migrants, SC/ST, Rajputs, and others.

But the Kashmiri Pandit employees remained unconvinced and had declined to return to work.