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Overseas Kashmiri Pandits reject 'normalcy' narrative in Kashmir
The statement urged authorities to address the concerns of displaced families before promoting narratives of reconciliation.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 17, Jun 2026
- 13:18 EDT
- 36
Kashmiri Hindu Exodus Day Candle Light Vigil at Freedom Tower Miami / Handout
An overseas Kashmiri Pandit diaspora group criticized a recent Kashmir visit by a delegation claiming to represent the community, accusing it of promoting a misleading narrative of normalcy in the Valley.
In a statement, the Kashmir Hindu Foundation said it viewed "with deep concern and dismay" the activities of what it described as a "small group of self-appointed representatives" who sought to portray conditions in Kashmir as conducive for the return of Kashmiri Pandits.
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The diaspora organization alleged that the delegation had attempted to minimize what it described as the genocide of Kashmiri Hindus and dilute the community's long-standing demands for justice and recognition.
It argued that many Kashmiri Pandits continue to live with the consequences of displacement, persecution and cultural loss decades after their exodus from the Valley.
The statement challenged claims that conditions in Kashmir have improved sufficiently for large-scale resettlement, pointing to the continued security concerns faced by employees appointed under the rehabilitation package introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
"By their own admission, employees appointed under former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's rehabilitation package continue to live under severe restrictions and pervasive insecurity," the statement said. It added that many remain unable to move freely after dark and continue to fear for their personal safety.
The group said the community's foremost demand remains the formal recognition of what it describes as the genocide of Kashmiri Hindus, followed by meaningful action by the Indian government to address the grievances of displaced families.
The statement also criticized the delegation, which it referred to as a "Heritage Team," for not visiting refugee settlements such as Jagti and Purkhoo, where many displaced Kashmiri Hindus continue to reside.
"It is equally telling that this so-called 'Heritage Team' found ample time for ceremonial visits, official receptions, media engagements, and government-hosted dinners, yet failed to visit the refugee settlements at Jagti, Purkhoo, and other camps where thousands of displaced Kashmiri Hindus continue to live with the weight of exile," the statement said.
According to the group, the presence of senior government officials and a series of high-profile events during the visit reinforced the perception that the initiative was intended to project an image of normalcy rather than address unresolved issues affecting displaced Kashmiri Pandits.
The diaspora organization also expressed concern over what it said were public remarks by some participants praising separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. It argued that such comments undermined the credibility of individuals claiming to speak on behalf of the community.
Reaffirming its position, the group said no individual or delegation had been authorized to negotiate on behalf of the wider Kashmiri Pandit community. It maintained that demands for truth, justice, formal recognition and rehabilitation remain unchanged.
"The pursuit of truth, justice, formal recognition, and honorable rehabilitation remains and will remain, non-negotiable," the statement said.
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