Kashmiri Pandit government staffers who returned to the Kashmir Valley have penned an open letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking his intervention after reports of threats targeted at them in the region. The staffers, who had come back to the valley hoping to rebuild their lives, said their decision to return was driven by faith and optimism — only for them to face intimidation upon settling down again.
According to the letter, several Kashmiri Pandit employees posted at various government offices and institutions across the Valley have been receiving threatening communications, including WhatsApp messages and verbal warnings, pressuring them to leave the region. The staffers described how their families, particularly women and elderly members, have become increasingly anxious about their safety following these incidents.
The group emphasized that they returned to Kashmir with great hope, believing the political and administrative changes in the region would create a safer and more conducive environment. Many had waited decades for this opportunity, leaving behind their homes and livelihoods in exile since the exodus of 1990. Their willingness to come back was seen as a significant moment, reflecting confidence in the current setup.
However, the staffers wrote that instead of feeling secure, they now feel vulnerable. They have requested the Home Minister to ensure adequate security arrangements and take stern action against those responsible for instilling fear among the community. The letter also sought guarantees for their children's safety and freedom to practice their culture and religion without coercion.
Community leaders and advocacy groups have echoed the staffers' concerns, calling the threats a serious obstacle to the rehabilitation effort. They argue that ensuring the safety of returnees is essential not just for the Kashmiri Pandit community but also for the broader narrative of normalcy and integration in the Valley.
