SRINAGAR: The Kashmiri Pandits have demanded the restoration of the statehood after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of occupied Jammu and Kashmir on August 5.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Satish Mahaldar, coordinator for the Return & Rehabilitation Team for Kashmiri Migrants in a statement in Srinagar said, “Our demand is give our statehood back. Give our Assembly the right to make independent decisions for us. Give us the right to protect our land and culture.”
Mahaldar had led a delegation of Pandits to the Valley twice this year in June and July and stated that 419 migrants were willing to return to Kashmir. The Pandit delegation had also turned up at the Mela Kheer Bhawani in Tulmulla, Ganderbal district, in the form of a yatra in June to give their message.
Mahaldar also wrote an open letter to Kashmiris where he urged people, irrespective of their religion, to “fight for our identity”. “We pledge we will fight till we get our statehood back…we will continue to fight till our lands are protected, our culture and language are protected. Parliament should ensure this,” he added.
In occupied Kashmir, normal life continues to remain paralyzed on the 72nd straight day, today, across the territory.
According to Kashmir Media Service, restrictions continue to remain imposed, shops closed except for few hours in the morning and evening, and schools and offices are empty and public transport is off the roads.
Heavy deployment of Indian forces and ban on pre-paid phones and internet services are causing great inconveniences to the people throughout the territory and what is adding to their agony is that the IOK administration has not given any indication of the internet being restored anytime soon.
Lack of communications has also inflicted untold miseries on the people. Not only have social interactions been severely affected but the economy has also suffered. Patients are the worst victims of the military clampdown. It has effectively cut people off not only from their immediate surroundings but also from the world. The information void in the absence of internet is often giving rise to the rumours and uncertainty. (With additional input from INP)
