New Delhi: The All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) has strongly condemned the inaction of both State and Central Governments in addressing the long-pending issue of the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. More than three decades after the mass displacement of the community from the Kashmir Valley, AIKS has called for urgent and concrete steps to address their demands.
At the center of AIKS’s demands is the immediate reconstitution of the Apex Coordinating Body, which was disbanded in 2014. The organization argues that the absence of a centralized and empowered platform has led to fragmented policy decisions and a lack of accountability.
“Ad-hoc decisions and fragmented approaches are failing our community,” said Ravinder Pandita, President of AIKS. “It’s time for accountability and collective action through a structured framework that includes community voices.”
AIKS also underscored the need to protect the religious and cultural heritage of the community. With the Temples and Shrines Bill still pending, the organization has urged the government to establish an interim Temples and Shrines Board to prevent further mismanagement and neglect of historical sites.
“The establishment of such a board is essential, especially in light of recent instances of mismanagement,” Pandita added.
AIKS General Secretary Sunil Kaul expressed concern over the deepening gap between the displaced community and the government. “The lack of institutional engagement allows fringe elements to push divisive agendas, weakening the unity of our already fragmented community,” he said.
Criticizing what it described as persistent government indifference, Sanjay Sapru, Media In-charge and Advisor to AIKS, noted that repeated requests for dialogue with the Chief Minister and relevant ministries have been ignored.
“Our concerns are sidelined, and our community continues to be neglected,” Sapru said. “This apathy is not just disappointing—it is unacceptable.”
AIKS’s Four-Point Charter of Demands: Immediate reconstitution of the Apex Coordinating Body to ensure structured dialogue. A comprehensive blueprint for the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. Establishment of a Temples and Shrines Board as an interim measure to protect heritage sites. An institutionalized mechanism for regular engagement between the community and government authorities.
