SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Policy and Strategy Group, chaired by senior advocate Ashok Bhan, has called for a comprehensive, time-bound roadmap for the return, rehabilitation and restitution of Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir.
The demand was raised during a web meeting organised by the group on the eve of Kashmiri Pandit Balidan Divas, according to a statement issued by the organisation.
The meeting brought together intellectuals, former bureaucrats, academicians, media personalities, social and women’s rights activists, representatives of community organisations, overseas diaspora representatives and youth.
Participants paid tribute to Kashmiri Pandits who, according to the statement, were killed by militants and discussed the circumstances and consequences of the community’s displacement from the Valley.
The meeting also examined the impact of the 37-year displacement, including loss of life, destruction, demographic changes and the weakening of cultural and social ties.
The participants reaffirmed their resolve to return to Kashmir, stressing the need for security, dignity, equality and meaningful participation in the region’s social and economic life.
The group urged the Government of India to prepare a comprehensive and time-bound Return, Rehabilitation and Restitution Roadmap in consultation with representative Kashmiri Pandit organisations.
It said the proposed framework should cover security, voluntary return, property restitution, housing and livelihood opportunities, besides safeguarding temples and other cultural heritage.
Participants further sought measurable targets, clearly assigned institutional responsibilities and periodic public reviews to assess implementation.
The meeting ended with a call for the demand for the community’s return to be translated into a structured policy framework, the statement said.
