JAMMU: Intensifying their struggle for a separate homeland in the Kashmir Valley with Union Territory status for the rehabilitation of over five lakh exiled Kashmiri Pandits, Youth 4 Panun Kashmir (Youth 4 PK) on Sunday evening held a massive protest at Jagti, blocking the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway for several hours. The blockade resulted in a huge traffic jam stretching up to Ban Toll Plaza and Sidrah Bridge.
Thousands of displaced Kashmiri Pandits, including men, women and children, participated in the protest, raising slogans in support of their long-pending homeland demand. The rally was led by senior leaders of Youth 4 PK.
The protestors expressed strong resentment over what they described as the continued apathy of successive governments towards the rehabilitation of exiled Pandits, who were forced to flee the Valley during the outbreak of cross-border terrorism in 1989–90, turning them into refugees in their own country.
Senior police officers rushed to the spot and attempted to pacify the agitating crowd, urging them to lift the road blockade. However, the protestors remained adamant, stating they would not withdraw unless they received assurances from higher authorities regarding the resolution of their demands. These include permanent resettlement in a separate homeland in the Valley and official recognition of Kashmiri Pandits as victims of genocide through Parliamentary legislation.
The situation remained tense as protestors reportedly jostled with police personnel, and the blockade continued late into the night despite repeated appeals by the authorities.
