AIKS Submits Exodus Day Memorandum to Dr. Jitendra Singh, Discusses Plight of Kashmiri Pandits

The All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS), led by its president Ravinder Pandita, met Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), in New Delhi today, marking Exodus Day with a powerful memorandum on behalf of the Kashmiri Pandit community.

The delegation also presented a special issue of Naad, the official mouthpiece of AIKS, which focused on the painful and ongoing legacy of the 1990 Kashmiri Pandit exodus.

Recalling the horrors of January 19, 1990, when the community was forcibly displaced from their homes in the Kashmir Valley due to violence and intimidation, the AIKS members held placards reading "We still exist," symbolizing their enduring struggle for justice and recognition. The display aimed to draw attention to the unresolved issues that continue to affect the displaced community even after more than three decades.

The meeting also highlighted the ongoing legal battle of AIKS against the state, particularly the case AIKS vs. State OWP No: 477/2016. This case, which remains pending in court, concerns significant matters such as the absence of a Solicitor General in Jammu & Kashmir, a position that has been vacant for an extended period, and the protection of migrant properties under the Migrants Property Act and the Distress Sale Act.

During the discussions, Ravinder Pandita emphasized the community’s continued hardships. "The pain of exile is still fresh for many of us, and our rehabilitation in the Valley must be prioritized along with addressing our immediate demands," he said. Pandita was accompanied by AIKS General Secretary Sunil Koul, Joint General Secretary Ashish Zutshi, Advisor Sanjay Sapru, and prominent community members including Shrawan Pandita.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, acknowledging the community's resilience, praised the Kashmiri Pandits for their ability to survive and adapt in different parts of India after the exodus. He assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing issues of the community, including their safe and dignified return to the Kashmir Valley.

The minister also expressed concern over the pending legal cases and the need for expeditious resolution of issues related to the Migrants Property Act and Distress Sale Act. He assured the AIKS delegation that the government would work towards ensuring justice and rehabilitation for the displaced community, which has faced numerous challenges over the years.

The memorandum submitted by AIKS also outlined various short-term and long-term issues, such as the restoration of community properties, employment opportunities, and cultural preservation, that need urgent attention. The AIKS president reiterated the importance of securing a sustainable and dignified future for Kashmiri Pandits while keeping the memory of their painful exodus alive.

As part of the ongoing efforts to raise awareness, AIKS has vowed to continue advocating for the welfare of the Kashmiri Pandit community and pressing for their rightful return to the Valley, where they can rebuild their lives in safety and peace.