Panun Kashmir, an organization advocating for a “homeland for Kashmiri Hindus in the valley of Kashmir”, has accused the BJP of using the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus to blame their political opponents and secure Hindu votes across India.
Ajay Chrungoo, chairman of Panun Kashmir, criticized the BJP-led government for “neglecting the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community over the past decade.” Despite the revocation of Article 370 and the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Chrungoo claims the BJP has shown indifference towards the Pandits.
“The BJP leadership has used the issue of Kashmiri Hindu religious cleansing to blame others and gain votes in the rest of India,” Chrungoo told the media in Jammu. He accused the party of treating Kashmiri Pandits as “second-class citizens.”
Chrungoo said that the Pandit community is politically independent and not aligned with any party. “Our community members are not stooges of any political party and will pursue their political freedom as they wish. Both the Congress and the BJP have failed us and the nation in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
He stressed that with increasing strength of militant and separatist forces in Kashmir and Jammu, it is crucial for the government to protect the rights of the people. Panun Kashmir has vowed to continue their struggle until a separate Union Territory is established for the permanent rehabilitation of Kashmiri Hindus.
Chrungoo also criticized the BJP government for its perceived bias and disrespect towards the Pandit community. “The BJP’s hostile stance against Nehruvian policies seems to have translated into anti-Kashmiri Pandit bias among the party’s leaders,” he said.
He condemned the government for not increasing sustenance allowances for Kashmiri Pandits despite rising living costs. “A small fraction of displaced people receive cash relief, contrary to the BJP’s political narrative,” Chrungoo said. “Most have never received any relief, contrary to the perception created by the BJP.”
Chrungoo further accused the BJP of overlooking crimes against Kashmiri Pandits and failing to address their security concerns adequately. “The BJP has committed a grave crime against humanity by denying that our community suffered a genocide,” he added.
