“For the last two days once again a threatening letter has been issued to Kashmiri Pandits specifically by Lashker-e-Islam which is in circulation on social media… Once again, Kashmiri Pandits find themselves abandoned to their fate, stranded in their own homes, breathing with fear psychosis,” said Satish Mahaldar, chairman, J&K Peace Forum.
He said Kashmiri Pandits have called “everyone in authority and relatives in Jammu, Srinagar and Delhi, to save them from sure catastrophe”.
“I appeal to Muftis, Ulmas, Molvis and others across the valley to come forward and save pluralistic society at large. Nevertheless, we must always remember that pluralism is our inheritance,” said Mahaldar. He also referred to the recent killing of Satish Singh, a local Rajput, of Kulgam district, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen. “The killing brought tremors to the whole minority community living in Kashmir,” he said.
After August 5, 2019, when special status of J&K was abrogated, Kashmir witnessed intermittent killings of non-local labourers, drivers and members of the minority communities. In the fresh spate of attacks in recent weeks, at least seven non-local labourers were fired upon and injured in several parts of south Kashmir. Recently, the bollywood movie Kashmir Files, has triggered a controversial debate on the issue of migration of Kashmiri Pandits and polarised the communities and opinions in the region.
