New Delhi, January 19, 2024 – In a poignant ceremony held at Central Park near Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, the Kashmir Samiti Delhi (KSD), representing the interests of Kashmiri Pandits in the capital, marked the solemn occasion of the 35th anniversary of the forced exodus as Holocaust day of Kashmiri Pandits from their homeland.
Addressing the gathering, Sumeer Chrungoo, President of KSD, reflected on the tragic day as a stark reminder of the innocent lives lost to the hands of Pakistan Sponsored terrorists in the Kashmir Valley. The event ultimately led to the persecution and expulsion of the entire Kashmiri Pandit community, resulting in the loss of their homeland, cultural heritage, and religious roots. Chrungoo emphasized the enduring pain, describing the exodus as a genocide, a complete denial of the right to live in their ancestral and aboriginal surroundings.
“The sense of loss is immense and acute. Our community faces the threat of total extinction as our population has marginally decreased due to persistent stress and strain,” said Chrungoo. “Our return and rehabilitation have been compromised beyond human dignity. We are endlessly waiting for justice, while the perpetrators of gruesome crimes against our community enjoy freedom without consequences.”
He expressed the frustration of living alongside those who had seized their properties, killed community leaders, and issued ultimatums to convert to Islam or leave the Valley. Despite being insignificant in number and lacking political influence, the Kashmiri Pandits find themselves alone and abandoned, left to grapple with the shocking developments that have transpired over the years.
“We had no enmity with anyone. We are left alone, forsaken and forgotten,” Chrungoo lamented.
The President concluded by urging the community to pray for a safe, dignified, and honourable return to their homeland, as envisioned in the Margdarshan Resolution adopted by KSD. The community expects Present Government to discuss the Roadmap of our Return with the recognised representatives of the community organisations.
The commemoration drew a large attendance of community members, and all other oragnisations, all echoing the pledge to return to their homeland. The event served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the yearning for a homecoming that has eluded the Kashmiri Pandit community for over three decades.
