It was news for KP Community to see a fundamental change in the mindset of Hurriyat leaders like Ali Shah Geelani and others. Kashmiri Pandits are asked to return to their birthplaces located in villages and towns of Kashmir valley to live together with Muslim brethren. After a long time of twenty three years they broke their silence, appealing Kashmiri Pandits to return to their homes in the valley. 
But KPs still remember their vitriolic speeches, intimidation of minorities, sowing seed of dissension in the otherwise peace loving society. Starting campaign of vilification speaks volumes of their negative tactics. At the time of Amarnath land issue, the separatists gave statements calling for forcible vacation of non-Kashmiri and pro-Indian workers, laborers and traders after branding them as Indianmukhbirs and agents. Then they were asked to leave the valley within twenty-four hours, or else face the consequences. All saner souls, policy makers and icons in the KP community cannot be fooled again and again. Their provocative speeches, which were loaded with anti-India virus infused in the blood of Muslim youth, culminated in the bloodbath of innocents and destruction of Kashmir. The saner elements among Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs hold firm opinions that this massacre of humanity was engineered by their favourite country Pakistan on active support of these leaders and their gun yielding youths whose mission was looting, killing and terror. 
In fact at present Kashmiri Muslim community lacks leadership with broad vision. They don't have leaders who could act as role model for their youth. Those who are worth leading are discouraged by leveling false allegations against them. Those who deserve credit are being harassed and dubbed as Indian agents. Their Indoctrinated youth spread hatred and the moderates among Muslims bear the offensive language silently. Their silence should not be considered as a confirmation of the ideology of these leaders. The peaceful Muslims in the valley have chosen the path of silence as they do not digest their policy of poisoning the minds. They have understood the policy and patience of Kashmiri Pandits who are the main victim of the propaganda of these leaders. 
Before calling Pandits back to Kashmir, has Hurriyat leadership given a thought to the facts whether they are in a position to protect KP's life and property? Can they bring back the heydays of peace, love and tranquillity? Can they return the property to KPs which has been either been looted, burnt, encroached upon, occupied and snatched or sold out under distress sale? Can they restore the confidence, faith and trust of the community which was shattered at the time of mass exodus of KPs as none of their Muslim brethren asked them to stay back or came to their help and rescue? Can they allow KPs to live as per their own will and choice in the valley as free Indian nationalists? Perhaps not, but it is sure they would be forced to join their ranks and files, forced to take part in anti Indian movement and other acts which would not be suitable and digestible to the   KP community. 
Kashmiri Pandits don’t require anybody's sympathy or suggestion for their return as they know where their interests and safety lies. They know when is the appropriate time for them to return to their “Kashyap land”.

(Kundan Kashmiri is President, Kashmiri Pandit Conference)

Lastupdate on : Wed, 25 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST