Those in power did nothing to prevent exodus,say Kashmiri Pandits

“It was a horrifying experience. We left the valley in February 1992 and did not even tell our neighbours as we were apprehensive about what would happen if militants get to know,” said Arvind Tikoo.

He further added,“We stayed at the stadium in Udhampur. My father died due to a sunstroke. He had lived his entire life in the valley and was not used to the climate he had to face in the plains.”

It is a story of inheritance of loss for all of them.

Dilip Wali,who was forced to leave his home in Srinagar in 1989 following the killing of eminent persons of his community,said,“We used to live in a downtown in Srinagar and had good relations with the people of all communities.”

Recalling the earliest sign of rupture between the two communities,Wali said,“I still remember when it all started. Whenever there used to be a strike or a curfew following some militancy and we were forced to stay at our homes ,we would sit and play cards. And then one day that harmless game became un-Islamic. It was a deliberate attempt to divide us.”

He added,“At that time I did not realise it but now I feel it was planned. I do not say everyone was involved,but no one objected to what happened .”

BJP leader Satya Pal Jain said,“To create an atmosphere which can instill confidence into those who have been displaced,we need a strong leader at the center.” He further added his party had time and again said they will repeal Article 370 of the Constitution that gives special powers to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.