Tika Lal Taploo: The Symbol of Kashmiri Pandit Resilience and ‘Ghar Wapsi’ Promise

Tika Lal Taploo, a prominent Kashmiri Pandit leader, career advocate, and one of the early BJP figures from the Valley, became a symbol of resistance during the turbulent years of insurgency. He was assassinated by militants from Yasin Malik’s Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) during the peak of unrest, marking the beginning of a painful chapter of violence against Kashmiri Pandits.

As Taploo made his way to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, he was ambushed and fatally shot by three militants, a brutal attack that signaled the start of a broader campaign targeting Pandits. His death, which occurred just days after an earlier failed assassination attempt, triggered the mass exodus of nearly 97% of the Kashmiri Pandit community from the Valley over the subsequent years. His martyrdom is commemorated on September 14, observed as “Martyrdom Day” by the Pandit community.

In the BJP’s manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections, the party has paid homage to Taploo by introducing the Tika Lal Taploo Visthapit Samaj Punarvas Yojana (TLTVSPY), a scheme aimed at facilitating the ‘ghar wapsi’ (return) of Kashmiri Pandits. This scheme, part of a broader vision for the Valley post the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, includes rebuilding Hindu temples, fighting terrorism, and ensuring the rights of the displaced Pandit community.

Taploo’s deep connection to both the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as well as his enduring legacy among Kashmiri Pandits, made him a fitting figure for the scheme. His personal charisma and leadership stood out during his time, and his tragic assassination remains a powerful symbol of the Kashmiri Pandits’ struggle. The BJP’s decision to name this scheme after him resonates strongly with the Pandit community, many of whom now reside in Jammu and represent a significant voting bloc in the region.

By invoking Taploo’s memory, the BJP has tapped into a deep emotional vein, aiming to reinforce its bond with the Kashmiri Pandit community while pledging to restore their dignity and homeland.