It has been ten days since the Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS) sent its final memorandum to the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory authorities demanding urgent relief for members of the minority Hindu Kashmiri Pandit community in the state. But it turns out that the Lt Governor hasn’t even looked at it yet!
According to KPSS president Sanjay Tickoo, “Lt Governor has been in Jammu for some work and has not had time to look at the memorandum.” Tickoo is in touch with the LG’s personal assistant and hopes for an update when the LG returns to Srinagar in a few days. “If there is no response by August 30, then we will begin a fast unto death,” says Tickoo who had earlier planned to begin the fast if the authorities failed to respond to the final memorandum within thirty days.
CJP stands with the KPSS in seeking an immediate redressal of all grievances, jobs for 600 non-migrant KP youth in the Valley, a monthly cash relief package for the most needy families, and preservation of cultural and religious sites in the Valley. Join CJP in this campaign as we stand with the Kashmiri Pandit community in Jammu and Kashmir. To help us advocate for their safety and rights, please donate generously here.
It is noteworthy that KPSS has sent over 110 memoranda since June, indicating the urgency of the situation. While different party leaders wax eloquent about Kashmiri Pandits to score political brownie points, not much has been done to alleviate the suffering of 808 families that still live in over 240 locations across the Valley even today. At least 150 of these live Below Poverty Line, struggling for basics like food and medicines! 600 educated Kashmiri Pandit youth are unemployed due to non-implementation of government schemes. Many such youth are unable to get married and have a family of their own on account of their crippling financial situation.
CJP supports the struggle for justice for Kashmiri Pandits, a peaceful yet helpless minority in the Valley. Please sign our petition to get leaders in positions of power take action to alleviate the suffering of non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits.
Related:
Here’s why non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits feel betrayed