New Delhi: Congress leader Pawan Khera on Monday criticised the Centre over a fresh threat issued against Kashmiri Pandits working in Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that the incident raises serious questions about the government’s approach to the community’s return and rehabilitation in the Valley.
Speaking to ANI, Khera said the Congress had seen the threat letter and recalled expectations that displaced Kashmiri Pandits would be able to return and resettle in Kashmir. He argued that the latest development reflects the challenges surrounding the government’s Kashmir policy.
The remarks came after the All PM Package Employees Forum Kashmir approached the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary seeking enhanced security for Kashmiri Pandit employees serving in the Valley under the Prime Minister’s Package. The forum cited a fresh threat poster circulating on social media and urged authorities to take immediate preventive measures.
According to the forum, the purported poster was dated August 23 and was allegedly issued by an outfit calling itself the United Liberation Council (ULC). It reportedly contained the names and other sensitive details of some Kashmiri Pandit employees, including addresses and vehicle numbers. However, the forum made it clear that the authenticity of the poster has not yet been established by police or security agencies.
The latest development has caused concern among employees and their families, particularly because of previous targeted attacks on Kashmiri Pandit employees in the Valley. The forum said repeated threats were creating a sense of insecurity and called for adequate protection for employees at their workplaces, residences and along their travel routes.
One Kashmiri Pandit employee responding to the latest threat said that employees would not be intimidated or leave the Valley. He also appealed to the administration and security agencies to identify the source of the threats and determine how sensitive personal information was being circulated.
The forum has requested a thorough investigation into the poster and action against those responsible if the threat is found to be genuine or deliberately circulated to intimidate employees. It has also sought security assessments and immediate guidance for those whose personal information may have been included.
The episode has once again brought the issue of Kashmiri Pandit resettlement into the political spotlight. While the government has maintained programmes aimed at facilitating the community’s return and employment in the Valley, fresh security concerns continue to pose challenges.
Khera’s comments are likely to intensify the political debate over the safety and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, while security agencies investigate the authenticity and origin of the latest threat.
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