Gupkar alliance: On Saturday, the Peoples’ Alliance for the Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), a coalition of J&K political parties, urged local Muslims and civil society activists to “protect the safety of minorities, particularly Pandits,” who live in the Valley.
“We call on members of civic society, religious groups, and the business community to rise to the occasion and recognize their responsibilities to the Valley’s minorities.” In these challenging times, they should safeguard the safety and security of their neighbors, especially those from other groups,” CPI(M) leader and Gupkar alliance spokesman M.Y. Tarigami told The Hindu.
The request was made after a Pandit employee, Rahul Bhat, was killed by extremists in Budgam two days ago. Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference and chairman of the PAGD, hosted a meeting of the alliance at his home in Srinagar, which was attended by Mehbooba Mufti, Tarigami of the CPI(M), and Muzaffar Shah of the Awami National Conference. The PAGD (Gupkar alliance) leaders met with Kashmiri Pandit delegates during the meeting.
Gupkar Alliance: Kashmir has a long tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood
Gupkar alliance: According to Mr. Tarigami, Kashmir has a long tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood. “During the 1947 episode, when the entire continent saw bodies piling up, Kashmir witnessed unprecedented camaraderie among the many communities,” he remarked.
Kashmiri Pandits have been urged not to leave the Valley by the Gupkar alliance. “A large number of Pandits voiced a wish to leave the Valley. We explained to them that this is their home and that we do not support migration. Mr. Tarigami stated, “This place will always be their homeland.”
The PAGD (Gupkar alliance) has resolved to meet with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha after mutually condemning the assassination of a Pandit employee in Budgam. “We will inform the L-G about the Pandit community’s demands and concerns.” Mr. Tarigami believes that the government should act and ensure that Kashmiri Pandit personnel are posted in safer regions with security cover.
He also suggested that the government give Pandit staff with secure housing as quickly as possible. “We’ve had enough of the Centre’s mantra that “normalcy has returned to Kashmir.” Rahul was shot and killed in his office on Thursday, while Riyaz, a police officer, was shot and killed in his house on Friday. Mr. Tarigami stated, “They still say Kashmir is normal.”
On Friday, the PAGD criticised the use of force against Pandits protesting in Budgam. “It was sad that demonstrators who wished to express themselves were charged with the cane. In reality, in Kashmir, using force has been the norm. Mr. Tarigami stated, “‘Lathis’ are no means to achieve peace in J&K.”
Protests are continuing
Meanwhile, a sit-in was organised in Srinagar’s Press Enclave by scores of Kashmir Pandits who had returned to the Valley under the special Prime Minister’s job package since 2008. The protesters demanded justice for Rahul Bhat’s family and highlighted current challenges in the community.
“In the aftermath of targeted killings over the last year, we no longer feel safe in Kashmir.” We want to be moved to a safer location. A Pandit protester told The Hindu, “We have not come here to die.” The protesters also asked that the order prohibiting Pandit workers from seeking transfer or leaving the Valley be proclaimed ab initio “in light of the community’s death threats.”
“We are not indentured servants.” Another protester stated, “The right to life is paramount.” The Pandits have also denounced the police action at the Sheikhpora transit colony in Budgam, which halted the passage of Kashmiri Pandit employees and their families. “Many pupils were unable to complete their exams due to the constraints,” they claimed.