Panun Kashmir, as a philosophy, represents the urges and aspirations of the entire Kashmiri Pandit community of estimated seven lakh numbers now scattered across the globe to return and reclaim their ancestral homeland in the land of goddess Sharada. The numbers include – what we have known, over the decades, as “silent exodus” (pre -1990) and the “forced exodus” of 1990.
The repeated physical, literary and cultural genocide faced by the community, over the centuries, following the advent of Islam in Kashmir in 1339 (with some respite – between 1819 and 1947-during Sikh & Dogra rule) gave birth to the idea of creation of “separate homeland” for the entire displaced populace within valley to the north-east of river Vitasta (as a Union Territory). Unanimous adoption of well-articulated resolution, popularly known as “Margdarshan Resolution” (Jammu; 27/28 December 1991) stamped the community’s legitimate demand.
Here it is pertinent to emphasize that Kashmir Pandits fully endorse the Parliament of India’s resolution of 22 February 1994 that rightly asserts, among other things, that “Pakistan must vacate the areas of the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir, which they have occupied through aggression”.
No single individual, activist should claim any exclusive or proprietary rights on floating the idea of a “separate homeland” as such as the near ‘universal’ endorsement of the concept then was the result of the public expression of pent-up feelings accumulated, over centuries, on account of brutal Islamic tyranny (overt and covert) faced by the Pandit community within the valley.
Some well-meaning and dedicated activists of the exiled community took it upon themselves /assumed the task of leading the mission / struggle thrust upon it by the havoc of the times, on behalf of the entire globally scattered community. Thus, propelling Panun Kashmir virtually as the MOTHER of the Pandit community forced to live away from their place of origin.
Hundreds of community members, as dutiful children, scattered as they remain, (individually and in groups, whether connected with Panun Kashmir directly or indirectly) have toiled, day and night, over the decades in carrying forward the sacred mission of highlighting the pain and trauma of facing physical / cultural genocide and the seventh forced exile in their own democratic country with utmost sincerity and dedication – that too without any tangible resources to bank upon. In the process, sadly, thousands have achieved martyrdom. To them all, we bow our head in reverence.
Over the decades, the committed and dedicated activists in spite of their individual limitations and challenging conditions in an alien environment, have been successful, to a larger extent, in raising awareness about the genocide of the Pandits and their conditions in exile across the globe. Among the long pending demands of the community, the removal of Article-370 /35 A stand neutralised / annulled and the erstwhile state of J&K is reorganized (though partly) into two Union Territories including the Pandit supported creation of a separate UT of Ladakh.
However, the struggle of exiled community will come to a fruition only once the core issue of its genocide is addressed comprehensively by the powers that be and the cherished goal of a “separate homeland” within the valley is realised. And, a long distance of rough terrain is yet to be covered.
Living a life of continuous exile for the last thirty-six years has drastically changed the community’s priorities and perceptions. Multiple community organisations, including AIKS – the so-called “apex body”- are pulling in different directions. Transparent, honest intellectual and strategic community engagement to clear the cobwebs of misplaced notions is the last thing on our minds. Though the spirit and essence of Margdarshan ’91 continues to be relevant, but can one claim the same unanimity within the community now?
We may have faltered in the past, but experiences gained should guide our journey now and ahead.
Our struggle is multi-dimensional and is against a system inimical to our interests, that is not only deaf but, dumb too. The apathy, indifference and insensitivity of the Indian State exhibited towards the “reverse minority” of Hindus, especially during last nearly four decades, right from “Anantnag riots” of February 1986, has taught the community its bitter lessons. Naturally, it needs a strong, self-sufficient, inclusive and well-oiled vehicle-powered by a strategic vision-to carry forward the sacred movement towards the final destination of “Panun” Kashmir.
The brutal targeted massacre of Hindus at Baisaran in Pahalgam last year (22 April 2025) reconfirms that the Islamic jihadi mindset is intact and is getting consolidated by the day. Thankfully, the community’s urge to preserve their illustrious heritage, nurture and reclaim their roots is intact; And, the same continues to be the inspiration and fuel of their motivation to carry forward the fight against the forces responsible for their plight.
Before we embark on freezing the “Constitution” of the crumbled vehicle, doesn’t it become imperative for all of us to keep in mind the current realities-both within and outside the community? The vehicle has to be in tune with the times and such as to accommodate, portray, and articulate the urges and aspirations of the entire scattered Kashmiri Pandit community (having voluntarily assumed its leadership more than three and a half decades ago) without making any compromises and getting entangled by any strings as is expected out of a benevolent “mother”?
One feels happy to note that some of our dedicated brethren have taken it upon themselves to address the concerns. This writer is not sure, though, whether the half-baked efforts will lead to the much-needed CONSOLIDATION across the board and arrest the continuing disintegration within the community now virtually on the verge of their extinction because of the rising deaths and a negative birth rate.
Incidentally, while I was in my Thokur Kuth in the morning of 16 May 2026, my eyes caught the attention of the following verse of Vijananabhairava (an ancient Sanskrit text on Yoga; 7/8th Century, Kashmir) :
Mere rhetoric and academic ‘hara-kiri’ can’t sustain a movement like Panun Kashmir for long. The ultimate goal is not to achieve a fragmented but a COHESIVE homeland for the entire community within the valley. History doesn’t judge one’s intentions, but actions and results on the ground. It is time to search our hearts and, nudge our conscience too.