PUNE: “We are already trying to be an integral part of India. But it hurts that it is being done at the cost of peace back home,” a Kashmiri student in Pune sighed. With the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Kashmiris studying in Pune are worried for safety of their families and the future of their state.
“We are not able to contact anyone back home. All the phone lines are closed. Internet is not working. The situation is tense and scary,” said a student on condition of anonymity.
Another student said, “We are stepping out of J&K for better educational opportunities. We see other states, other cultures, and we are integrating in India. But this decision by the Government of India seems hasty. It might worsen the situation of Kashmir.”
Kashmiri Pandits, who have struggled for decades away from home, welcomed the decision. Rohit Kachroo of India 4 Kashmir Organisation said, “We welcome the government’s move to correct the historic blunder. We hope this path will lead Kashmiri Hindus to their homes.” Retired engineer RK Kaul said, “People of J&K have attained aazadi (freedom) today on August 5, 2019, in the real sense. With the abrogation of Article 370 the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community thanks the duo of PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah.”
Media professional (belonging to a Kashmiri Pandit family) Sonika Zalpuri said, “The abrogation would empower Kashmiri women. They would get the right to marry outside state, religion and community, like the women of any other state. It would increase job opportunities in the Valley and help the state prosper.”
Kashmiri Hindu Sabha General Secretary Sanjay Dhar said though there is an upheaval, it will subside soon. “Eventually, the common man will support the decision and move on. The common man is concerned about his day-to-day life and growth. He cannot afford to be stuck in politics,” he added.
Many Kashmiri students who were pro-Article 370 wanted to be with India. They were not separatists. However, it hurts to see that they are seen as anti-India by the government.
— A student from J&K in Pune.
There are 1,000 Kashmiri Pandit families in Pune. On behalf of all, I would like to say this is a historic decision. We left our homes due to Kashmir-centric politics in the state. Ladakh, Jammu have always felt neglected.
— Sanjay Dhar, Kashmiri Hindu Sabha General Secretary.
This comes as good news for our country as well as for Kashmiri Pandits. Now we can claim back our lands and houses as till now due to fear it was a long dream. Daughters like me who have married any other state person were not not considered as state subjects and are now free to be connected to their land. My husband wanted to be able to buy me property there so I can
be part of my beloved land and today the dream has come true.
— Monika Wali-Pilarisetty, Business Analyst
