Kashmiri Pandits demand action on unemployment, housing ahead of JK elections

Srinagar: As the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir’s assembly elections approaches, the Kashmiri Pandit community is calling for action on long-standing issues of unemployment and housing.

Quoting a resident, Babloo Ji Butt, who is a community representative, the report said, “We’ve become accustomed to assurances, and it seems political leaders see us only as voters.”

Despite resettling elsewhere, Butt emphasised that many Pandits still consider Kashmir home. He highlighted the incomplete delivery of the Prime Minister’s package, which promised 6,000 jobs and housing. While 2,500 units have been built, another 2,500 remain unfinished, forcing many to live in rented housing. “If the government wanted to bring us back, they could have done it in a year,” he said.

Sunita Bhan, another community member, echoed similar concerns, criticising leaders for only remembering Kashmiri Pandits during elections. She also called for an increase in the Rs20,000 salary under the PM package to better support families.

Yatin Pandita stressed the need for job creation and effective rehabilitation, noting that many still live in rented homes despite government promises.

Srinagar will vote on September 25, with 7,74,462 registered voters across eight assembly constituencies. As elections draw near, Kashmiri Pandits hope their demands for rehabilitation and employment will finally be addressed.