Kashmiri Pandits would prefer to live their ancestral villages with their neighbours.

Anantnag: Barbed barricades on high walls with security persons at the entrance of the gate, there are row of quarters one after another. While looking from a distance, it seems like a posh colony located far from the hustle and bustle of the city but as we move closer to the apartments, the stories of pain and separation starts unfolding. 

This is Block a Pandit Colony Vessu about 7 km from the main town in Anantnag. Talking to Kashmir Observer, the Vice President of Pandit Colony Sunil Kumar Pandit, reveals that earlier they were reluctant to settle in the valley due to militancy and how the present government has played politics over the rehabilitation issue. 

He said that government had promise to bring them back with “Dignity and honor” to the state. But there seems no implementation on ground. Mr. Kumar, native of Shergund, tehsil Shangus district Anantnag wishes to be rehabilitated in their own village. “Instead of living here in separate colonies, we would prefer to live in our ancestral villages with our old friends and neighbours,” he said. Stating that though this colony looks classy while observing them but there is a lot of space scarcity as three to four families are living in one quarter. 

“There are a total of 210 quarters while 250 families are living in these quarters. One can imagine the mess when so many people live in a single quarter sharing space and resources,” said Sunil Kumar. Adding that, “Despite so many people living in this quarter, we pay rent in hefty amount through HRA. The apartments are fabricated which add to our miseries during winters and there is acute power shortage as well. Accommodation is complete failure.”   Sunil, a teacher by profession at high school said that “I have not received my salaries since last four months and never get it on time. We have no other source of income. Under new guidelines, we cannot opt for private tuitions.” 

As per Sunil, no promises have been fulfilled by the government. “In 2008 congress govt had given 6000 employment package out of which 1445 have been adjusted till date. 

“While as BJP is concerned, despite of being in power for one year have done nothing for us,” he said. 

Expressing concern over the rehabilitating policy, he said, “Life is quite frustrating for us. Every family is scattered in different states across the country. Husband works in Delhi while wife has a job in Kashmir. Children live at Jammu. We don’t know where our children should study.” Adding he said, “Rehabilitate us fully.” Further said that “High dignitaries like Member Parliament and ministers have come here to address our grievances but nothing has been done till date.  

Sunil Kumar Pandit lives with his wife, Rekha Kumar, a native of Baramulla. She is also working as a Junior Assistant in social welfare department. They have two daughters.  Anil Pandita, another migrant who is working as a pharmacist in health department since five years is worried about his parents as he is the only son of his parents. “I live here alone and have to face many difficulties. Since I am living here from a long time, I miss my mother’s love and care,” said Anil Pandita being satisfied with the locals he said, “Locals are quite cooperative and helpful. We have grievances from the government who failed to deliver upon their promises. Thus leaving us in shambles, she added.

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