Kashmiri Pandit Leaders Thank Administration for Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra 2025, Demand Action on Unresolved Issues

Jammu, June 12, 2025: The Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, under the banner of the Shree Mata Kheer Bhawani Ji Welfare Society, held a press conference at the Press Club Jammu today, expressing profound gratitude for the successful conclusion of the Mata Kheer Bhawani Yatra 2025 while simultaneously issuing a powerful call for the government to address the long-pending grievances of the displaced community.

The organization’s leaders conveyed that following the tragic terrorist incident at Baisaran, Pahalgam, there was deep apprehension and uncertainty surrounding the annual pilgrimage. However, they lauded the peaceful and successful conduct of the Yatra as a testament to the resilience and faith of the community, made possible by the unwavering efforts of the civil administration and security agencies. Heartfelt thanks were extended to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, former Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, and the entire administration. Special appreciation was directed towards Chief Secretary Shri Atal Dulloo and Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner Shri Arvind Karwani for their dedicated efforts, along with the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir and the District Development Commissioners of Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban, Anantnag, Kulgam, Srinagar, and Ganderbal.

Shri Kiran Wattal, Convenor of the society, then presented a detailed and poignant report on the critical issues that continue to plague the Kashmiri Pandit community. He highlighted the urgent need to enhance the monthly relief assistance, stating that the current amount of ₹3,250 per soul per month is grossly insufficient and has not been revised for years. He also pointed out that nearly half of the rightful beneficiaries are still awaiting their ex-gratia payments for losses suffered, and that the extensive horticultural and agricultural losses from the 1990s genocide have yet to be assessed or compensated.

Furthermore, Shri Wattal drew attention to the incomplete Prime Minister’s Package for employment, announced in 2008–09, demanding the creation of at least 5,000 new posts across various sectors without conditional barriers. He also spoke of the significant number of PM package employees who still lack proper accommodation in Kashmir and the pressing need to improve basic facilities—including drinking water, roads, building maintenance, healthcare, and sanitation—in the migrant camps in Jammu.

Reinforcing these demands, Shri M.K. Yogi, General Secretary of Vishwa Kashmiri Samaj, strongly urged the government to treat these pressing issues with the utmost seriousness and to take concrete, time-bound action in the interest of the displaced families. He emphasized that while gratitude for the Yatra was sincere, the core issues impacting the community’s survival and dignity could not be overlooked.

The press conference was also attended by a host of prominent community members and office bearers including Shri Prem Sharma, Vice Chairman; Shri Ravi Ji Bakshi, Secretary; Shri Kamal Krishan Ganjoo, Public Relations Incharge; Shri Pintoo Ji Pandita, Chief Coordinator; Dr. T.K. Bhat, Advisor; Shri Muktesh Yogi, Youth President; Shri Ashutosh Ji Pandit, Youth Secretary; Shri Tej Krishan Dhar; Shri Ashwani Bhat; Shri Naveen Gosani, Youth Incharge; Prof. A.N. Sadhu; Sh. M.K. Bangroo; Shri Sunil Pandita; Dr. Ramesh Kumar Bhat; Shri Anil Ji Bhan; Shri Rajesh Labroo; Shri Krishan Ji Koul; Smt. Chandra Dhar; Smt. Sunita Jamwal; Shri Raj Kiran; Shri Rohit Bhat; and Shri Ishu Bharati Pandit, among others.

The event concluded with a unified and resolute call to restore justice, ensure dignified living conditions, and finally facilitate the long-awaited and honorable return of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community to the Valley.