On January 19, 1990, the streets of the Kashmir Valley echoed with chilling slogans that called for the extermination and exile of an entire community. This date marks the black day when the Pandit community of Kashmir—peaceful, educated, and deeply rooted in their homeland for millennia—was forced to flee overnight in the face of unimaginable violence, hatred, and betrayal. Today, 35 years later, the wounds of that genocide remain fresh, and justice for Kashmiri Hindus remains a distant dream.
The Political Landscape: A Betrayal of Trust
During this tumultuous period, the central government was led by Prime Minister V.P. Singh, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) providing crucial support to his administration. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, a member of the Janata Dal party, served as the Union Home Minister. The BJP, which today professes solidarity with the Kashmiri Hindus, did not withdraw its support from the V.P. Singh government during the crisis, a decision that has been a subject of criticism and introspection.
The kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, by militants in December 1989, further complicated the situation. The government’s decision to release five militants in exchange for her freedom was perceived as a sign of weakness, emboldening insurgents and exacerbating the plight of the Kashmiri Hindus.
The Genocide: A Night of Horror
As the sun set on January 19, 1990, mosques across the Valley began broadcasting blood-curdling threats through loudspeakers:
“Raliv, Galiv, ya Chaliv” (Convert, Die, or Leave).
Posters plastered on walls and announcements over the radio declared the community as “infidels,” marked for extermination. Hindus were openly warned to leave their women behind as “gifts” for militants.
These were not idle threats. Homes were raided, families were slaughtered, and women were brutally assaulted. Gruesome murders became daily occurrences. Bal Kachroo, a young teacher, was killed for refusing to chant Islamist slogans. Girija Tickoo, a school librarian, was abducted, gang-raped, and sawed alive by a mechanical cutter. Such horrific incidents are not isolated but part of a larger campaign to instil fear and erase the existence of Kashmiri Hindus.
By the end of 1990, more than 350,000 Kashmiri Hindus had fled their ancestral homes. Once a vibrant and integral part of Kashmir’s cultural and social fabric, they became refugees in their own country. Families crammed into overcrowded camps in Jammu, Delhi, and elsewhere, struggling to survive in squalid conditions. Many elders succumbed to the harsh conditions, while children grew up in an atmosphere of trauma and deprivation.
Roots of the Genocide
The Kashmir genocide was not a sudden eruption of violence but the culmination of decades of systemic alienation and targeted hatred. The seeds were sown during the 1947 partition, as Pakistan sought to annex Kashmir through invasion. The rise of Islamic radicalism, bolstered by Pakistan’s support, transformed the Valley into a hotbed of militancy in the 1980s.
In 1986, riots in the Anantnag district saw Hindu homes and temples burned, signalling the beginning of communal unrest. By 1989, with the rise of separatist organizations like the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), the situation spiralled out of control. The militants declared their aim to create an Islamic state in Kashmir, and the Pandits, being a minority, became the first targets of their violence.
The state machinery collapsed entirely. Farooq Abdullah’s government failed to protect the Pandits, while the central government turned a blind eye to their plight. The Indian Army, restrained by political indecision, was unable to act decisively. The result was an exodus of monumental proportions—ethnic cleansing in every sense of the word.
Life in Exile: The Unending Struggle
For the displaced Kashmiri Hindus, life in exile has been a tale of unrelenting hardship. Camps in Jammu, such as Muthi and Purkhoo, were ill-equipped to handle the influx of refugees. Families lived in makeshift tents with inadequate sanitation, leading to the spread of diseases. Many lost their livelihoods, their cultural identity, and their sense of belonging.
The psychological toll has been immense. Survivors of the genocide suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Generations of Pandits have grown up estranged from their homeland, with no connection to the land their ancestors called home for over 5,000 years.
Failures of the Present Government
While the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 was celebrated as a step towards reintegration, it has done little to address the plight of Kashmiri Hindus. The promises of rehabilitation and resettlement remain largely unfulfilled. Read More
- Resettlement Programs: Successive governments, including the current regime, have announced various resettlement packages. However, these remain mostly on paper. The Pandits fear returning to a Valley where their security is still not guaranteed.
- Political Representation: Kashmiri Hindus have no significant political representation to voice their concerns. Their demands for a protected enclave within the Valley have been ignored.
- Justice for Victims: Not a single perpetrator of the 1990 genocide has been brought to justice. Mass murderers roam free, often glorified by separatist factions.
- Neglect of Culture and Heritage: Temples and cultural sites in Kashmir have been left to decay or have been desecrated. The government’s indifference to preserving the Pandit legacy is another blow to their identity.
Failures of Previous Governments
Previous Indian governments have made promises regarding the rehabilitation and resettlement of Kashmiri Hindus, yet tangible progress remains elusive. The lack of political will and concrete action has left the community feeling abandoned and marginalized. Read More
The Path to Reconciliation and Justice
The genocide of Kashmiri Hindus is not just a tragedy for one community; it is a stain on the conscience of the entire nation. Justice for the Pandits is long overdue, and mere lip service will not suffice.
- Rehabilitation with Dignity: The government must create secure, well-planned townships in the Valley for returning Pandits. Adequate security measures must be implemented to prevent a repeat of 1990.
- Judicial Accountability: Special tribunals should be set up to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the genocide. This is essential for healing the wounds of the community.
- Preservation of Culture: Efforts must be made to restore and protect temples, shrines, and other cultural landmarks of the Pandits.
- Education and Awareness: The story of the Kashmir genocide must be included in school curriculums and public discourse to ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten or repeated.
- Political Representation: Ensure adequate political representation for Kashmiri Hindus to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes affecting their future.
The genocide of Kashmiri Hindus is a sombre reminder of the fragility of coexistence in the face of hate and extremism. January 19 is not just a day of mourning but also a day of resolve—a resolve to seek justice, preserve the memory of those who suffered, and ensure that the displaced Pandits can one day return to a safe and welcoming Kashmir.
The road to healing is long, but the spirit of the Kashmiri Hindus, forged in resilience and faith, will continue to shine as a beacon of hope for generations to come. Let this day remind us of the price of silence in the face of injustice and the duty of every Indian to stand against hatred, no matter where it comes from.