10/05/2026
For the past thirty-seven years, displaced Kashmiri Pandits have endured a painful life marked by exile, uncertainty, and continuous struggle. Thousands of families who once owned businesses, orchards, transport services, industries, or worked in the private sector in Kashmir are today surviving as displaced relief holders in Jammu and other places. Only they truly understand the depth of their suffering, and therefore they alone have the moral right to speak for themselves.
The future of displaced relief holders cannot and should not be decided by retired government employees, pensioners, or privileged groups disconnected from the daily hardships faced by ordinary displaced families. The leadership of the displaced community must emerge from genuine sufferers — those who lost their homes, livelihoods, dignity, and sense of security due to forced displacement.
Any dialogue or decision concerning relief holders must include the direct participation and voice of the affected people themselves. They do not need self-appointed representatives from the government or pensioner class to speak on their behalf or claim leadership over their struggle.
It is deeply unfortunate that certain organizations are attempting to create fear and confusion within the displaced community by portraying the situation as though some extraordinary emergency has arisen. The reality is that the displaced community has always remained peaceful, democratic, and patient in its approach. For decades, relief holders have suffered silently without resorting to agitation or confrontation, yet their genuine concerns continue to be neglected.
The demand of the displaced community is clear, legitimate, and justified:
NFSA must be withdrawn, and displaced Kashmiri Pandits must continue to be recognized under the Relief Category with full dignity, security, and protection.
For years, emotional slogans, false assurances, and misleading narratives were promoted in the name of rehabilitation and homeland politics, while ordinary displaced families continued to suffer in silence. The time has now come for genuine relief holders themselves to unite and become the authentic voice of this struggle.
Balkrishen Koul
Concerned Displaced Kashmiri Pandit Relief Holders
