‘Genocide of Pandits needs official recognition’

Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul who retired from the Supreme Court last year in 2023 on Friday said that the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits, which took place over 30 years ago, requires “official recognition”.
Speaking at the 3rd Law & Constitution Dialogue hosted by iTV Network at The Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, the former Supreme Court Judge while talking about the tragic genocide of Kashmiri Pandits said that the tragedy that happened three decades ago needs acknowledgment, justice, and reconciliation.
Speaking about the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in late 1990s when militancy was at its peak in Jammu Kashmir, he said that the community does not seek a return to the past but “it does expect acknowledgment of the wrongs done to them.”
This recognition, according to Kaul, is a crucial step towards addressing the pain and loss the community has endured.
Highlighting that his understanding of this issue grew stronger only after his retirement as he had limited opportunity to engage with the displaced community when in office due to several constraints, he said “after stepping down, i received many interactions from individuals who shared their stories and concerns.”
“When I was in office, I was more secluded and could not engage as much, but after my retirement, many came to me. From my interactions, it became clear that the community does not expect to return to the past, but at least wants recognition that something wrong was done to them”, he said. On the expectations from the displaced community, he noted that the community does not wish to revisit the past but seeks spaces where they can reconnect with their heritage and heal.
“These small yet significant steps, he argued, could provide a sense of belonging and dignity”, he added.
In his comments, Justice Kaul highlighted that there is a need for both political will and public support to make progress on this issue.
Justice Kaul also stressed the importance of initiating open conversations to address the community’s concerns and aspirations.