Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi has raised a controversy by inferring that Kashmiri Pandits were at fault for failing to return to the Valley, comparing their issue to migrant labourers who have returned to their workplaces after having gone home during the first wave of coronavirus pandemic.
The return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits has always been leading on the ruling BJP’s agenda and the party has often forcefully criticized its opponent Congress for their failure to ensure their return. Most Kashmiri Pandits are claimed to be supporters of the BJP.
As per a report by Telegraph India, the minister, while attending an online interaction with Kashmiri Pandits, was questioned by a speaker when they would be rehabilitated in Kashmir to “save their culture”.
“I am really surprised at the question because as a person who is part of this country, you are free to move wherever you want to move. Nobody is stopping people from going back to their homes, and whatever else is needed will be provided,” the minister replied.
Lekhi then compared their situation with migrant labourers who had gone to their home states after the coronavirus pandemic broke out in 2020 but were back at their places of work when the situation got better.
“When corona happened in Delhi, a lot of migrant workers had come from Bihar, Jharkhand and wherever. They were here and whatever was the treatment meted out to them by Delhi government, they all went back and they have all come back. Where is the problem? I think people also take a call where they wish to be,” she said, suggesting Pandits were not taking the initiative.
A Pandit participant while interrupting her,asked if it was possible for them to return to the Valley.
“That is why I am surprised at the question because so far as the government is concerned, it continues to be with the people of India whether in Kashmir, Bihar or Delhi or wherever. Some initiative needs to come from people themselves also,” the minister said.
Lekhi then said many Pandits were disinterested in returning to the Valley.
“I know there are lots of people who are settled across (the country) and they are settled well. So on one side, their heart may be pining for their original place of habitation but they are very happy with wherever they are living also. They do not want to be disturbed… People need to take some private initiative as well,” she said.
The statements left the Pandit participants furious with one asking her to clarify whether the migrant labourers’ issue was comparable to their migration.
“Sorry Madam, you have no concept what Kashmiri Pandits have suffered. It is a (forced) migration. People have been kicked out of Kashmir. You have no concept and are comparing Covid (migration) with Pandit migration,” he said.
BJP sources said Lekhi’s remarks betrays frustration within a section of its leadership that Pandits were not showing a “spine” to return while the situation was “conducive” for their return. It would appear as a blow to the BJP if it fails to facilitate the return of Pandits after two consecutive terms in power.
The remarks incited anger among a section of Pandits.
“This is a tight slap from the core member of @BJP4India @M_Lekhi on the face of Modi Bhakts from Kashmiri Pandit community. Hope now the KP’s who called this politician their God hang their heads in shame & apologise to everyone. Thanks a lot for being blunt about your policy,” tweeted Mohit Bhan, a Kashmiri Pandit and a spokesman of the People’s Democratic Party.
As per a report published on The Telegraph, Senior BJP leader Ashwani Chrungoo, also a Pandit, hit out at Lekhi’s remarks and said he would call her and ask her to withdraw the comments.
“It is an unbecoming statement in the sense that Government of India is already conscious of its responsibilities and a lot of things are being done and are under process,” Chrungoo told The Telegraph.
“It is a statement that cannot be taken so seriously. It has come from a person of a junior rank. It cannot be called a statement from the government.”
The BJP leader said the situation in the Valley is not conducive for the return of Pandits as “there is neither peace nor normalcy in Kashmir”.
The BJP central leadership had asserted that Article 370 was a hindrance in restoring peace.